Statement published 19 March 2026
We have today decided to revise the NGSO licensing process to clarify requirements for current and prospective licensees, speed up decision-making timeframes overall, and reduce coordination and administrative burdens on NGSO satellite operators.
Non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) systems are a way of delivering broadband services from space using a constellation of satellites in a low or medium Earth orbit. These satellite systems can deliver high speed, low latency connectivity across the UK, including in hard-to-reach areas.
We introduced a new spectrum licensing process for NGSO satellite systems in 2021. We have carried out a review to ensure our process continues meeting our objectives in a proportionate way.
What we have decided – in brief
- To strengthen the requirements and evidence needed at the point of application for NGSO licences, to enable a smoother, faster and more robust process overall;
- To no longer routinely consult on NGSO gateway licence applications, given our updated assessment of risks;
- To extend the consultation commenting period and clarify how we will handle stakeholder issues raised in responses; and
- To change NGSO gateway licences to facilitate future gateway use as the industry evolves, including in Q/V band.
Main document
Supporting documents
Responses
Contact
NGSO licensing team
Ofcom
Riverside House
2A Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA