Statement published 23 October 2026
Our decision to make available up to 8 GHz of spectrum in the Q/V band for satellite gateways in urban 'high density' areas, building upon our March 2026 decision to make up to 10 GHz of spectrum available for gateways across the rest of the country.
We are providing additional opportunities for satellite gateways to deploy in urban, high density areas, which represent the 6% of UK landmass not covered by our existing licence products for Q/V band. The available frequencies will be:
- GSO: uplink 47.2 – 50.2 GHz and 50.4 – 52.4 GHz; downlink 37.5 – 40.5 GHz
- NGSO: uplink 47.2 – 50.2 GHz and 50.4 – 51.4 GHz; downlink 37.5 – 40.5 GHz
The same uplink spectrum is already available in low density areas, with downlink authorisations in low density areas extending from 37.5-42.5 GHz. These authorisations are available as part of our standard NGSO gateway and Permanent Earth Station licences.
We will assess requests for licences to use this spectrum on a first come, first served basis, in line with the usual application processes for an NGSO gateway licence or GSO Permanent Earth Station licence. Access to 39.5 – 40.5 GHz and 50.4 – 51.4 GHz is subject to additional coordination with the Ministry of Defence.