To support satellite connectivity services for UK ships and aircraft, we are proposing to make more spectrum available for Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) uplink, aligned with the ITU Radio Regulations.
Our proposal includes:
- new authorisations for aeronautical ESIMs connecting to:
- GSO satellites in 12.75-13.25 GHz and 27.8185-28.4545 GHz and 28.8265-29.4625 GHz.
- NGSO satellites in 27.5-29.1 GHz and 29.5-30 GHz.
- new authorisations for maritime ESIMs connecting to:
- GSO satellites in 12.75-13.25 GHz and 27.8185-28.4545 GHz and 28.8265-29.4625 GHz.
- NGSO satellites in 27.8185-28.4545 GHz and 28.8265-29.1 GHz.
This proposal builds on existing ESIM authorisations in other parts of the Ku and Ka bands, and would significantly expand the spectrum available for ESIMs.
We are proposing to update our Aircraft radio and Ship radio licences to include all these new frequencies, and to add those frequencies which can be used in the UK to our Earth Station Network (ESN) licence. We also propose to update the relevant Interface Requirements (IR 2077 and IR 2093) to reflect this new use.
Responding to this consultation
Please submit responses using the response form no later than 5pm 11 August 2026.