Consultation: Direct to Device licence exemption regulations update

This consultation gives formal notice under section 122(4) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (the “WT Act”) of our proposal to make The Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

Direct to Device (D2D) services are designed to provide satellite connectivity to mass market mobile phones in areas not covered by terrestrial mobile networks. They have the potential to increase outdoor geographic coverage and provide a basic backup service in the event of outages on the terrestrial networks.

On 16 February 2026, Ofcom made Regulations to exempt mobile handsets and other SIM-enabled devices, using the 1800 MHz band, from the requirement to be licensed, when such devices are established, installed or used for D2D services that meet the criteria set out in the Regulations. This followed our approval of a licence variation request from VMO2 to vary its relevant Wireless Telegraphy licence in order to provide D2D services in the UK.

We have now approved a second licence variation to enable VodafoneThree to provide D2D services using its licensed spectrum in 900 MHz spectrum. In accordance with the WT Act, and as set out in our December 2025 Statement, this document provides notice of Ofcom’s proposal to amend the D2D Exemption Regulations to add the frequencies, over which VodafoneThree intends to provide D2D services, and include the accompanying technical parameters. This will enable people to use mobile handsets and other SIM-enabled devices to connect to D2D services provided by VodafoneThree.

What we are proposing – in brief

We are giving notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make The Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (the “Proposed Regulations”). The Proposed Regulations would amend the D2D Exemption Regulations and enable VodafoneThree to launch a D2D service in the UK.

Ofcom invites comments on whether the Proposed Regulations correctly implement Ofcom’s policy decisions (as set out in the December 2025 Statement), as well as any other comments that stakeholders might have on the Proposed Regulations. 

The Proposed Regulations are included in this document at Annex 1.

Responding to our consultation