Apply for a non-geostationary satellite earth station licence (FSS)
Non-geostationary satellite earth station licences are used to authorise gateway earth stations and user terminals that relay traffic via non-geostationary satellites that orbit the Earth.
These licences authorise the use of certain frequency bands allocated to the fixed-satellite service. They can be used to provide several types of service including direct-to-consumer broadband, broadband services to businesses, telcos and governments, and Internet of Things.
A non-geostationary satellite earth station licence is a term we use to describe the following two licences:
- Satellite (Non-Geostationary Earth Station): these licences authorise non-geostationary gateway earth stations which are large hubs that connect the satellite network to the internet and/or to private networks and cloud services.
- Satellite (Earth Station Network): for non-geostationary use. These licences authorise the use of non-geostationary user terminals, for example the dish and equipment installed at a customer’s premises, and must be held by any satellite operator wishing to deliver services in the UK.
How to apply
Our non-geostationary satellite earth stations licence guidance (PDF, 748.4 KB) explains how you can apply for a licence. It also covers licence fees, terms and conditions.
Use the Satellite (Non-Geostationary Earth Station) radio licence application form – OfW564 (PDF, 998.1 KB) to apply for a licence for non-geostationary gateway earth stations.
Use the Satellite (Earth Station Network) radio licence application form – non-geostationary – OfW602 (PDF, 674.0 KB) to apply for a licence for non-geostationary network of user terminals.
How we will assess applications
When considering applications for these licences, we will take account of their impact on technical coexistence and competition. We will also publish and invite comments on applications that we are considering authorising.
As we explain in our non-geostationary satellite earth stations licence guidance (PDF, 748.4 KB), applicants will be expected to show how their proposed gateway or network can coexist with:
- existing non-geostationary satellite systems that are licensed in the UK (see the table below);
- non-geostationary satellite systems for which an application has been submitted and published on this page; and
- other specific co-frequency earth stations registered with the ITU.
Existing licences
You can download a copy of the licence document by opening the link in the licensee's name. The licences are subject to the terms of the General Licence Conditions booklet - version OfW 597 (PDF, 236.8 KB).
Licensee | Licence number | Date first issued |
---|---|---|
Mangata Edge Ltd (PDF, 166.5 KB) | 1309175 | 22 March 2023 |
Telesat LEO Inc (PDF, 162.5 KB) | 1297041 | 14 November 2022 |
Starlink Internet Services Limited (PDF, 161.1 KB) | 1239247 | 16 November 2020 |
Network Access Associates Ltd (PDF, 161.9 KB) | 1102679 | 9 November 2016 |
Licensee | Licence number | Date first issued | Associated network licensee | Associated network licence number |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starlink Internet Services Limited (Fawley) (PDF, 199.1 KB) | 1293217 | 14 November 2022 | Starlink Internet Services Limited | 1239247 |
Starlink Internet Services Limited (Morn Hill) (PDF, 201.9 KB) | 1293713 | 14 November 2022 | Starlink Internet Services Limited | 1239247 |
Starlink Internet Services Limited (Wherstead) (PDF, 198.1 KB) | 1293534 | 14 November 2022 | Starlink Internet Services Limited | 1239247 |
Starlink Internet Services Limited (Woodwalton) (PDF, 199.1 KB) | 1293303 | 14 November 2022 | Starlink Internet Services Limited | 1239247 |
Starlink Internet Services UK Limited (PDF, 183.3 KB) | 1249304 | 18 August 2021 | Starlink Internet Services Limited | 1239247 |
Arqiva Ltd (PDF, 182.6 KB) | 1242714 | 1 February 2021 | Starlink Internet Services Limited | 1239247 |
Goonhilly Earth Station Limited (PDF, 194.7 KB) | 1224918 | 1 April 2020 | Starlink Internet Services Limited | 1239247 |
Applications received
We invite comments on any application we have received and published in the tables below. The deadline for responses is included alongside each application.
You can submit comments on an application by using the response form.
We will publish all non-confidential responses alongside our final decision on each application. You can subscribe to spectrum email updates (selecting ‘Radio spectrum’ in the list of sectors) to be notified when we publish a new application or decision.
Earth station name | Earth station location (decimal degrees) | Associated space station name | Associated space station geostationary orbit location | Minimum frequency (MHz) | Maximum frequency (MHz) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SPECIFIC UK KU-1B | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | DJCF-1B | 46 | 12500 | 12750 |
SPECIFIC UK KU-2B | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | DJCF-2B | -26 | 12500 | 12750 |
MENWITH HILL-1A | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | DJCF-1A | 39.5 | 12500 | 12750 |
MENWITH HILL-2A | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | DJCF-2A | -39 | 12500 | 12750 |
MENWITH HILL-A1 | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | USCSID-A1 | 0 | 17800 | 20200 |
MENWITH HILL-A2 | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | USCSID-A2 | 44 | 17800 | 20200 |
MENWITH HILL-E1 | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | USCSID-E1 | -10 | 17800 | 20200 |
MENWITH HILL-E2 | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | USCSID-E2 | -13 | 17800 | 20200 |
MENWITH HILL-E3 | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | USCSID-E3 | -24 | 17800 | 20200 |
MENWITH HILL-E4 | 1.6833°W, 54.0167°N | USCSID-E4 | -30 | 17800 | 20200 |