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The UK telecoms regulator has today launched a new ‘Call for Input‘ to help it decide on the future of the 2GHz radio spectrum band (1980-2010MHz and 2170-2200MHz), which could potentially open it up to wider use for providing broadband connectivity to aircraft and drones, direct-to-device services (4G/5G mobile), and or IoT etc.
At present this spectrum is already harmonised across the EU and the UK for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). Since 2009 the band(s) have been licensed to two satellite operators – Viasat and Echostar – on an exclusive basis, but these are due to expire in May 2027 and so the regulator has decided to explore the potential for alternative uses.
Just to be clear. Viasat currently uses this for their European Aviation Network (EAN) to help provide in-flight WiFi, which launched in 2019 and operates across several airlines. As for Echostar, they use the spectrum for an Internet of Things (IoT) network that extends the reach of Long Range Wireless Network (LoRaWAN) sensors to remotely collect and transmit data across Europe. Suffice to say that both platforms are fairly active.
Despite this, Ofcom are seeking optimal use of the spectrum, which could mean extending / tweaking the existing services or allowing its use by a wider array of services (either exclusively or via spectrum sharing). For example, Viasat told Ofcom it could introduce additional direct-to-device (D2D) use cases alongside its existing EAN service, so there may be some flexibility or expansion possible from the incumbent spectrum holders.
However, for some of the services we mentioned at the top, sharing the spectrum with other users could be difficult (i.e. the risk of interference and not enough spare frequency to be viable). “We are therefore seeking input on the types and mix of services that could be authorised in these frequencies in the future in the UK. We welcome responses by 19th September 2025,” said Ofcom.
The regulator plans to publish their first proposals for the future of this band sometime in 2026.