Statement: Updates to Procedures for the management of satellite filings

Statement published 2 March 2026

Ofcom has today published its decisions on updates to our Procedures for the management of satellite filings

Satellite networks and other space services make use of scarce and finite resources - radio frequencies and orbital positions. These need to be carefully planned and coordinated at an international level as satellites provide regional or global services. This process, the management of satellite filings, takes place within a framework of international rules operated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Ofcom represents the UK in the ITU and manages satellite filings for companies or other organisations registered in the UK, the British Overseas Territories, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. While the overall number of filings that we manage annually has remained broadly static, the number of operators who apply through the UK and the range of services has increased. 

We publish Procedures which applicants must follow when applying for a satellite filing and which set out ongoing requirements for satellite operators. This ensures compliance with the international regulations. We update these Procedures every few years to reflect changes to the international regulations that govern the process for satellite filings, and other national issues as appropriate.  

Following our consultation in March 2025, we have now published a statement setting out our decisions on the proposed changes alongside an updated version of the Procedures. We have also published a table which highlights the changes we have made from the previous (March 2019) version of the Procedures.