Page 66 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

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Ofcom to Authorize Satellite Networks to Deliver UK 4G and 5G Mobile

The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has confirmed that they will “move plenty of support for D2D satellite services within the UK market,
ahead with plans” to make the UK the “first country in Europe” to and they’ve issued a statement that confirms their intention to
authorize Direct to Device (D2D) satellite services for use in regular authorize the aforementioned change(s). The new approach could
mobile bands via “standard smartphones “. The change could be be particularly useful for helping to connect people in some of the
used to help mobile operators improve their 4G and 5G coverage remotest rural parts of the UK, as well as around coastal waters,
and roaming features. Several satellite-based broadband operators and to act as a backup in case of terrestrial network outages or
are currently developing services that can directly connect to when needing to contact the emergency services. Some mobile
unmodified consumer Smartphones via regular mobile spectrum operators, such as Vodafone’s deal with AST SpaceMobile, are
bands. Some examples of this include Starlink (Direct to Cell) and currently looking to offer such features as a premium add-on
AST SpaceMobile. In fact, some phones, like the latest iPhone (e.g. global or domestic roaming enhancements). Speaking of
series from Apple, already have a basic communication system which, Ofcom are also inviting any mobile operators that plan
that can work via satellite (e.g. for emergencies). However, the to offer a D2D service to come forward to the regulator, with a
licenses held by UK mobile operators to provide communications request for a license variation in relation to their specific bands
services do not currently authorize transmissions from space. The of interest (although the regulator’s focus seems to be on most of
introduction of D2D services in terrestrial mobile bands would the spectrum bands licensed to EE, Vodafone / Three UK and O2
also raise a number of other issues, such as through the potential below 3GHz). Any license variation will however still be subject to
for an increased risk of interference between the satellite and the the “comments we might receive on our proposed non-technical
ground infrastructure of the mobile operators. But Ofcom says and technical conditions “.
they can solve this. The regulator’s previous work has uncovered

NBN Co Partners AWS's Project Kuiper for LEO Satellite Broadband in Australia

NBN Co and Amazon announced an agreement to deliver high- Earth orbit —connected to each other by high-speed optical links
speed, wholesale fixed broadband to customers in parts of that will create a mesh network in space—and linked to a global
regional, rural and remote Australia via Project Kuiper’s low network of antennas, fiber, and internet connection points on the
Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. Project Kuiper is Amazon's ground. The initial satellite constellation will include more than
satellite broadband business that will provide fast, reliable internet 3,200 satellites, which began deploying in April 2025 with its first
to customers around the world. Amazon is planning to launch operational launch. There are currently 78 Kuiper satellites in orbit,
its service in Australia from the middle of 2026. When Project after three successful launches in less than three months, and
Kuiper launches in Australia, NBN Co plans to offer wholesale Amazon is continuing to increase its production, processing and
residential-grade fixed LEO satellite broadband services to more launch rates ahead of an initial service rollout.
than 300,000 premises within our existing satellite footprint via
participating Retail Service Providers (RSPs). nbn’s wholesale
LEO satellite offering powered by Project Kuiper will be available
to both eligible1 existing and new customers within nbn’s satellite
footprint, via participating RSPs. The agreement will enable
NBN Co to transition from its existing geostationary Sky Muster
satellite service over the coming years and will complement NBN
Co’s investments in fiber and fixed wireless upgrades for regional
Australia. NBN Co will shortly start consultation with RSPs, regional
communities and stakeholders, to help inform what speed tiers
are offered, wholesale pricing and the upgrade for customers. The
consultation will consider the offer of equipment and professional
initial standard installation and assurance at no cost for existing
eligible1 nbn satellite customers, via participating RSPs. Project
Kuiper’s low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite network will provide
significant improvements to the quality and reliability of broadband
for eligible regional, rural and remote communities. To achieve its
goals, Project Kuiper is deploying thousands of satellites in low

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