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Telecoms analyst firm Point Topic has today introduced a new interactive map of broadband connectivity across UK Local Authorities (LAs), which is said to “reveal significant disparities in digital infrastructure” and aims to support LAs by helping to inform their local digital strategies. The maps are also freely available to the public (recent data only).

A quick look at the new maps appears to show various data points being split by LAs and districts, including local FTTP + gigabit broadband coverage (inc. roll-out progress), details on average internet speeds, the availability of different networks, population / business premises, affordability and coverage details for other technologies (e.g. FTTC, ADSL and Cable / Coax).

The data is quite useful and allows you to see how each area has changed over time, although it doesn’t allow users to drill down to the level of individual premises and instead offers a more generic overview of each local authority.

Oliver Johnson, CEO at Point Topic, said:

“Despite substantial investment and progress in broadband infrastructure, digital inequalities remain a pressing issue. The data highlights areas where Local Authorities need targeted support to bridge connectivity gaps and ensure no community is left behind.

It’s not just about faster speeds; connectivity underpins economic development, social inclusion, and local services. Local Authorities need clear strategies to address the gaps in coverage and take-up of broadband.”

The announcement also makes reference to 4G and 5G mobile networks, although we couldn’t see any data for those networks being shown on the maps themselves.

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News 

AT&T has entered into acquisition talks with Lumen Technologies’ consumer fibre operations, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter 

A potential transaction between the two companies could value the unit at $5.5 billion.  

Sources say that discussions are still in the early stages and no formal decision has yet been made. 

As of the start of the year, Lumen’s residential broadband network covered 21.97 million premises across 16 US states. Of these, 4.16 million were using fibre, while the remaining 17.81 million relies instead upon legacy copper infrastructure. Lumen began the process of selling off the unit in December, as it seeks to “phase out its legacy mass markets business and reduce its sizable debt pile,” people familiar with the matter said. It has since started working with Goldman Sachs to gauge interest in the unit. 

At a financial conference late last year, Lumen’s CFO Chris Stansbury said the fibre business was “a great asset, but an asset that is probably better suited in somebody’s hands that has a wireless offering.” 

AT&T has been actively investing in fibre expansion as it seeks to strengthen its broadband offerings amid increasing competition from cable and alternative fibre providers. For example, last October, AT&T signed a multi-year deal with fibre specialist Corning to supply the fibre optics for the expansion of its broadband network across the US. Acquiring Lumen’s consumer fibre unit could accelerate AT&T’s ability to reach more customers, particularly in markets where it currently has limited infrastructure. 

AT&T is currently aiming to expand its fibre network to pass 50 million locations by 2029. 

In addition to talks with Lumen, last week Bloomberg reported that AT&T has been approached by BT regarding potential partnerships for BT’s international business. The article suggested that a partnership could include the sale of part of BT’s global division, although the discussions remain in the early stages. 

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Also in the news: 
Viasat joins ESA’s Moonlight project for lunar connectivity
Segro and Pure DC form £1bn data centre JV
CityFibre begins M&A drive with acquisition of Connexin’s fibre network 

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News

The satellite operator will serve as the project’s ‘end-to-end communications lead’, helping to deploy a satellite communications network orbiting the Moon

This week, satellite connectivity provider Viasat has been selected to design the lunar orbiting satellite communications system for the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Moonlight project.

The Moonlight Initiative was formally announced by ESA in 2021, aiming to deliver uninterrupted satellite communication between Earth and the Moon. The system is expected to become a lunar ‘data highway’, allowing people, spacecraft, and lunar vehicles to seamlessly communicate with each other and with support teams back on Earth. It will also focus on providing precise location data for all users. Ultimately, it is hoped that Moonlight will serve as the communication framework for long-term human activities on and around the Moon, from mining to space tourism.

As per this new contract, Viasat will oversee the development of a lunar orbiting navigation and communication system, as well as handling related infrastructure on Earth and the lunar surface user terminals.

“Moonlight is among the most forward looking and exciting projects undertaken by the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency. Viasat’s participation builds on our heritage of delivering and operating highly innovative and ambitious satellite communication programs,” said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat. “Alongside Telespazio, we look forward to supporting the Space Agencies by leveraging our commercial orientation, network engineering and operational skills, to reliably and securely support future generations of space exploration.”

The Moonlight Initiative will be rolled out in phases, with initial capabilities expected to be operational by the end of 2028. The system is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

Viasat’s involvement in Phase 1 of the project is fully funded by the ESA.

“Moonlight is a game-changer for lunar exploration. By providing reliable communications and navigation as a service, we’re enabling future missions to dedicate more of their payload capacity to mission-critical instruments,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “This interoperable infrastructure will significantly enhance mission capabilities while reducing complexity and cost, ultimately accelerating humanity’s return to the Moon.”

The announcement see’s Viasat join Moonlight’s growing industry consortium, which is led by Telespazio, a joint venture by Leonardo and Thales Group that designs and manages orbital systems and services. Telespazio won a €123 million contract for the implementation of the Moonlight programme at the end of last year.

Other partners included in the consortium include Hispasat, Thales Alenia Space Italia, SSTL, Qascom, MDA, KSat, Telespazio UK, Telespazio Iberica, SDA Bocconi, POLIMI, CRAS, and SIA.

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to the Total Telecom newsletter

Also in the news:
Google announces agreement to acquire Wiz for $32bn
How small moves ignite industry-wide change
Liberty Global in talks to acquire Vodafone’s stake in Dutch JV VodafoneZiggo 

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) have this morning announced that they’ve begun to enhance 4G mobile (mobile broadband) capacity across the Devon (England) port city of Plymouth, which has involved the deployment of several small cells from network technology provider Ontix.

Small cells are akin to mini shoebox sized mobile (radio) base stations, which are designed to deliver limited coverage (usually up to around 100 metres) and thus tend to be more focused on busy urban areas and specific sites – it’s not uncommon to find these sitting on top of lampposts, CCTV poles or old payphone cubicles (i.e. they can be more cost-effective than building new street assets or trying to secure wayleaves on buildings etc.).

The latest project follows similar small call deployments in other large towns and cities across the UK. In this case, six of the new Ontix small cells – powered by Virgin Media’s full fibre network – have been deployed around parts of the busy Drake Circus shopping centre, and at the popular Theatre Royal.

Dr Robert Joyce, O2’s Director of Mobile Access Engineering, said:

“At Virgin Media O2, we are investing around £2m per day and constantly innovating to bring reliable mobile coverage to all our customers. These small cells, powered by our existing fibre network, will improve the mobile experience in some of Plymouth’s most popular locations.”

The operator currently boasts of having the “largest deployment of small cells of any operator“, with a large number live across the country and growing.

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A new report from the Digital Communities All-Party Parliamentary Group (DC APPG) has been published, which examines the ongoing industry-led switchover from Openreach, BT and KCOM’s legacy phone lines to new digital (IP / VoIP based) networks. But it warns that, despite recent efforts, vulnerable users still face a “risk to life” from the switch.

Just to recap. The big switch-off was recently delayed to 31st January 2027 in order to give broadband ISPs, phone, telecare providers, councils and consumers more time to adapt (details). But the main focus of this delay was the 1.8 million UK people who use vital home telecare systems in the UK (e.g. elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people), which aren’t always compatible with digital phone services. Take note that for everybody else, the switching deadline is still technically Dec 2025.

The industry-led shift to digital phones is being driven by two major changes, including the looming retirement of copper lines in favour of full fibre (FTTP) broadband (inc. future exchange closures) and the fact that reliability of the old network is in decline (i.e. it’s becoming harder for operators to source parts and skills for older technologies). Not to mention that it is not economically feasible to maintain both the old and new networks long term.

Both the past and present governments have already responded to these concerns by encouraging the industry to adopt various changes (here and here), such as by ensuring that no vulnerable customers are migrated by the major providers (e.g. BT, Virgin Media, Vodafone and Sky Broadband) until their telecare systems have been confirmed to work with the new digital phone service.

In addition, many of those same providers have also recently introduced enhanced battery backup solutions, which can help to provide additional protection to vulnerable users during protracted power cuts (here). Not to mention that BT and Openreach are currently also working toward launching their Pre-Digital Phone Line (PDPL) product this year (aka – SOTAP for Analogue).

The PDPL essentially attempts to replicate how the old phone service worked, albeit over a more modern network (i.e. it does NOT require a broadband connection to function or require battery backup). But PDPL is only a temporary solution until 2030 (i.e. when mass exchange retirement starts), and it will only be available to vulnerable and edge use cases (inc. CNI) users on existing lines (not new customers) who would otherwise “face challenges” in migrating to IP based voice solutions by the deadline. But there is a catch as “PDPL is not compatible with lines connected to broadband“ (i.e. it’s for voice-only lines).

Findings of the DC APPG report

However, despite all of the above efforts, the new DC APPG report – ‘Care to Connect‘ – finds that the current industry-led approach has created a “complex landscape in what is a technical project with deeply personal repercussions“, while highlighting the previously covered deaths of two “vulnerable” Virgin Media Phone customers (here) – this is partly what led to the government putting more pressure on the industry over the past year.

The group is now calling for the role of government “to be clearly defined in digital transformation projects” and has made various other recommendations (see bottom of article), such as calling for Ofcom to require longer-lasting battery backup within broadband and mobile networks (e.g. 6 hours instead of 4 for “newly installed” street cabinets).

The report also supports the plan for a national awareness campaign (National Telecare Campaign), although it fears that “industry fragmentation has the potential to undermine the delivery of an effective NTC“. Witness evidence is said to have highlighted the critical need for “buy-in and support from the voluntary and community sector (VCS)” to deliver an effective communication campaign.

Concern was also raised about the overreliance of residents to self-identify as ‘vulnerable’ throughout the PSTN migration. Further evidence raised the potential risk of an increase in scam activity (i.e. fraudsters using the switchover to pressuring customers into parting with financial details etc.), and there is growing concern that this may worsen as a result of the national campaign.

Helen Morgan MP (North Shropshire), Chair of the APPG, said:

“The APPG agreed to fast track an inquiry into the PSTN migration and shine a light on the risks associated.

The digital switchover should be known and understood by every resident across the country to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are protected.

Successive governments have not provided leadership or coordination to this programme, and it is now time for this new government to correct course. The risk to life if residents are not safely migrated is real. A digital transformation project of this kind cannot be allowed to be led by industry operatives alone.

Unfortunately, whilst a national campaign is essential, DSIT must urgently intervene to ensure coordination and provide clarity to the wider network of stakeholders. This will ensure the campaign has a strong ground-up approach to complement TV and radio adverts.”

The report makes a lot of fair points and recommendations, although it should be said that Ofcom, broadband ISPs and the government are already in the process of delivering on some of the areas they touch upon. In other cases, such as in terms of battery backup for street cabinets, the regulator has already softened its stance due to the costs involved (here), although it is still considering options for mobile networks (here). But ISPs have also been improving the customer side of things with better protection for homes (here).

Elsewhere, we’re not completely convinced that the complex and highly technical project would have been better managed if it was centrally controlled by the government (MPs haven’t exactly proven themselves to be terribly competent when it comes to modern telecoms networks), although much would depend upon the structure. In any case, this is more of a consideration for future projects than the PSTN switch-off.

We’ve summarised the report’s main recommendations below, although we recommend reading the report itself in order to get the full context. But one of the main problems with this report is that it comes far too late in the process, near the end of what started being planned around a decade ago.

Recommendations

National government

• The PSTN Charter should be updated to include the agreed supported journeys definition during the PSTN migration.

• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology must set out how it monitors compliance with the PSTN Charter and the PSTN non-voluntary migration checklist.

• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology must set out how it plans to enlist all CPs to both the PSTN Charter and the PSTN non-voluntary migration checklist.

• The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), working with the TSA, must take every reasonable step to end the sale of analogue-enabled telecare devices.

• The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology should deliver ringfenced funding that enables combined authorities/strategic authorities to improve capacity and capability of dedicated digital teams to coordinate and deliver digital transformation and adoption.

• Future digital transformation projects should be coordinated centrally by national government, leveraging local and regional government and industry representatives.

• A ministerial statement must be heard in Parliament ahead of the launch of the national telecare campaign to support awareness raising.

Local government

• Local authorities and housing associations should sign DSAs with all relevant communication providers, regardless of where they are at with the digital switchover.

• Local authorities should perform an audit of the technology they own to understand what might be impacted by the digital switchover.

Businesses

• Businesses should perform an audit of the technology they own to understand what might be impacted by the digital switchover.

Power and battery back-up solutions

• Ofcom, Ofgem and the Government should continue discussions on power back-up solutions. As a first step, Ofcom should update its guidance on resilience solution in the home during a power cut for customers reliant on their landline to call emergency services and to increase this from one hour to at least four hours.

• Ofcom should update its guidance to increase the minimum requirement for power back-up solutions from four hours to at least six hours for equipment in newly installed cabinets of fixed networks.

• Where battery back-ups are used as power solutions in the event of an outage, the battery back-up deployed should run for at least six hours.

• Resolving the issue of power back-up solutions should be a joint undertaking between energy and communication providers, with oversight from Ofgem and Ofcom.

• The APPG supports the creation of a multi-sector priority service register covering energy and communications.

• CPs performing the PSTN migration must undertake an audit with residents to understand what alternative means of communication they have in the event of a power outage and inform them of the support that is available to them, embedding Ofcom’s guidance as standard practice.

Telecare sector

• All telecare service providers and suppliers, including private providers and suppliers, must be certified to TEC Quality’s Quality Standards Framework to reach the highest standards on their digital switchover procedures.

2/3G sunsetting

• Data gathered on ‘vulnerable’ people through DSAs should be shared with mobile network operators (MNOs) as 2G and 3G sunsetting progresses. If this is not possible, the London Office for Technology and Innovation (LOTI) and the LGA should recreate a universal DSA for MNOs to use.

• CPs should be actively informing consumers about 2G and 3G sunsetting when performing PSTN migrations.

• Audits should be conducted by local authorities and businesses to understand what technology is owned that might be impacted by 2G and 3G sunsetting.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned several TV, radio, paid-for social media and digital poster adverts for UK ISP EE’s (BT) home broadband service. This occurred after they were found to have made “misleading” claims about the capabilities of the provider’s new Wi-Fi 7 Smart Hub Pro router and Smart Wi-Fi Pro device.

The new Wi-Fi 7 capable router and wireless booster hardware was officially introduced in September 2024 (here). At the time, EE were still one of the only broadband ISPs in the UK market able to offer such kit, and the following month they launched a series of adverts to help promote that fact.

The adverts made various similar claims, which appeared to indicate that the use of the latest WiFi (wireless networking) standard would improve device performance: “When everyone’s caning the broadband, Wi-Fi 7 on EE makes every device work better, even yours”, said one advert, while small text added: “Works better vs previous Wi-Fi technology”. In another advert, EE claimed that “XBOX PLAYS BETTER ON WIFI 7” and so forth.

The catch here is that Wi-Fi 7 can only really deliver its biggest improvements, such as when compared with older Wi-Fi 6 or 6E kit, if the devices it’s connecting to are also able to support the same Wi-Fi 7 standard. But most people don’t currently have any other Wi-Fi 7 capable devices in their homes.

In response Vodafone, CommunityFibre and 19 members of the public, who understood most devices available at the time the ads were seen did not support Wi-Fi 7, challenged whether the ads were misleading and the ASA ultimately upheld those complaints. In particular, the ASA noted that EE hadn’t provided enough credible evidence to substantiate all of their claims.

ASA Ruling (G24-1265502 EE Ltd t/a EE Ltd)

“We understood that, alongside the Wi-Fi 7 router, an extender was supplied as part of the package to extend the range of the router’s signal around the home. However, we considered that was not clear from the ad. We acknowledged that the claims in the ads were always qualified with the text “EE’s exclusive Smart Wi-Fi Pro”. While this implied the product was unique to EE and may have offered benefits that were not available from other Wi-Fi 7 routers, we did not consider that it clarified how the products worked. Although ad (b) referenced the router, none of the ads indicated that the Smart Wi-Fi Pro included both the router and the extender. We understood from EE that the ad claims were based on the performance of the two combined.

We understood the tests were designed to record the speed, consistency and reliability of the Wi-Fi connection between the router and a device. The results showed that both the Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices’ broadband connection speeds were faster, more consistent and more reliable when connecting to the internet using EE’s new Smart Hub Pro and extender, compared to their older hub and extender which did not have Wi-Fi 7.

However, while the devices tested varied in generations of Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5, 6 and 7) and demonstrated the backward compatibility of the new router with devices which were not Wi-Fi 7-enabled, they were all laptops. This limited testing scope, confined to a single device type, meant that the evaluation did not encompass a broad range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles or smart home gadgets. The tests also did not evaluate device performance while multiple devices were being used simultaneously. Consequently, we considered that the testing was not adequate to substantiate the claims in the context of ads (a), (b) and (c) that “every device works better”, as consumers would understand them.

Ads (c) and (d) referenced devices such as the Xbox and Google devices, including the Google Nest Hub and Google Nest Home. Because those devices were not included in the testing, we considered the evidence was not adequate to substantiate stated and implied claims that those devices performed better. We also understood that none of those devices were Wi-Fi 7-enabled devices.

Because the evidence was not adequate to substantiate the claims as consumers would interpret them, we concluded that the claim “EE’s new Wi-Fi 7 router makes every device work better” in ads (a), (b) and (c) as well as the references to specific devices in ads (c) and (d), were misleading.”

As usual, the ASA banned the adverts and told EE not to claim that “EE’s new Wi-Fi 7 router makes every device work better” or make similar claims, “unless they held adequate evidence to support the claims“. They also must not claim that specific devices “work better on Wi-Fi 7” unless they held adequate evidence to support them.

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News

The partners say they expects to pre-lease the new London colocation facility to hyperscalers

This week, real estate investment firm Segro has announced a new joint venture with Pure Data Centres to build a £1 billion data centre facility in Park Royal in west London.

The 30,000sqm facility will have a capacity of 56MW, which will be leased to tenants that provide and manage their own server equipment.

The data centre will be owned equally by Segro and Pure DC. Segro will provide the industrial site with its associated power infrastructure, while Pure DC will outfit the facility with the power and technology infrastructure required to host data centre servers.

The joint venture is expected to sign a long-term lease agreement of more than 15 years with a global hyperscaler.

“This innovative joint venture with Pure DC allows us to develop our first fully fitted data centre, alongside a highly experienced partner with an excellent track record of delivering world-class facilities to global hyperscalers,” said David Sleath, chief executive of Segro.

“SEGRO choosing to enter into a joint venture with Pure DC for its first fully fitted data centre development demonstrates our capability to create world-class digital infrastructure. Together we will develop a 56MW data centre in central London capable of handling next-generation cloud and AI workloads,” added Dame Dawn Childs, CEO of Pure DC.

In total, the data centre project is expected to require a combined investment of £1 billion, with Segro providing an initial £150 million.

The data centre market has boomed over the past year, driven by a surge of AI-related investment and the subsequent demand for cloud compute power. While the construction of these new facilities carry major challenges – such as land and renewable energy availability – they also offer margins “too large to ignore”, according to Sleath.

Construction of the facility is expected to start next year, with commercial availability beginning from 2029. The construction process itself is expected to generate hundreds of jobs.

“This announcement is another powerful endorsement of Britain as a home for tech investment, which will not only bolster the local economy and create job opportunities but also pave the way for a digital and AI-powered future,” said Secretary of State for the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), Peter Kyle MP. “Private investment like this innovative partnership between SEGRO and Pure DC will help us ensure the UK has the digital infrastructure it needs to thrive, helping us harness the power of technology to grow the economy and raise living standards, the central missions in our Plan for Change.”

How is the data centre boom impacting the North of the UK? Join the industry in discussion at the Data Centre Summit, co-located at the Connected North conference in Manchester

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Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Business broadband, security and managed IT provider Communicate, which is backed by private equity investor Rockpool Investments, has today announced their fifth acquisition by gobbling up Blaze Networks – a similar security-focused MSP with expertise in SD-WAN and advanced networking solutions.

The move, which puts Communicate on track to grow its turnover from £6m in June 2024 (i.e. the time of Rockpool’s investment) to a projected £17 million in 2025, is intended to enhance the provider’s ability to deliver a fully integrated suite of services – including SD-WAN, SASE, cloud, backup, and disaster recovery.

Under the agreement, Macclesfield-based Blaze Networks will continue to operate under their current MD, Ben Brassington. Rockpool is also said to have “provided additional funding to support the acquisition“, with investment director Tom Coey and investment manager Toby Hurdle leading the transaction.

Tony Snaith, CEO of Communicate Technology, said:

“Bringing Blaze Networks into the Communicate group significantly strengthens our ability to offer cutting-edge, secure IT solutions. Their expertise in SD-WAN and SASE complements our existing capabilities, allowing us to provide businesses with seamless, scalable, and highly secure network architectures. This acquisition is not only about expanding our service offering – it’s about creating real value for customers and fostering professional growth for our team as we continue to scale.”

Ben Brassington, MD of Blaze Networks, added:

“Joining Communicate presents a fantastic opportunity for Blaze Networks to accelerate its growth while continuing to deliver the high-quality solutions our customers rely on. By integrating with Communicate, we can offer an even more comprehensive service, while also providing our team with exciting new career development opportunities. Having re-invested in the group, I am fully committed to this next phase of expansion.”

Communicate and Rockpool were advised on the deal by Cooper Parry (financial and tax), Roxburgh Milkins (legal) and Taylor Wessing (legal). Blaze Networks was advised by KBS Corporate Finance (M&A), K3 Law (legal) and K3 Advantage (tax).

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The Scottish Futures Trust has announced that thousands of tourists and travellers in the remote archipelago of Orkney (Northern Scotland) are set to benefit from “complimentary ultra-fast internet access“, which comes after three local ferries were upgraded to harness Starlink’s global LEO satellite broadband network – supporting onboard WiFi.

The upgrade will also benefit ferry staff via enhanced operational efficiency, including improved back-office functions, maintenance tasks, and electronic transactions. In adverse weather conditions, this online connectivity also equips ship captains with more information on weather and sea conditions during their journeys.

The deployment forms part of a 9-month pilot on the Outer North Isles ferry services managed by Orkney Ferries, which has been funded by the Scottish Government (SG) and managed by the Scottish Futures Trust in collaboration with Orkney-based ISP CloudNet IT Solutions, the Orkney Islands Council, Orkney Ferries and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The service promises to share onboard broadband speeds of “at least” 200Mbps.

Business Minister, Richard Lochhead, said:

“The technology behind this pilot has a tremendous potential to improve travel for island commuters and visitors.

By trialling advanced connectivity on our public transport, we are not only making journeys much more enjoyable and productive, but also taking a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in our rural and island communities.

This initiative strengthens the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location, can access improved public services and opportunities.”

Councillor Mellissa Thomson, Chair of the Board of Orkney Ferries, said:

“Some routes can take as long as three hours, making this pilot excellent news for our passengers by providing them a seamless digital service throughout their journey, allowing them to connect with friends, family, or conduct important business.”

Assuming the pilot goes well, which we expect it will (Starlink is already being used on other maritime vessels, such as cruise ships), then we could see the same service being adopted on “other longer ferry routes across Scotland“.

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The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has today done as expected by proposing for the UK to become the “first country in Europe” to authorise Direct to Device (D2D) satellite services for use in regular mobile bands, which could be used to help mobile operators improve their 4G and 5G coverage.

Several satellite-based broadband and communication networks are currently developing services that can directly connect to unmodified consumer Smartphones via regular mobile spectrum bands. Some examples of this include Starlink (Direct to Cell) and AST SpaceMobile. In fact, some phones, like the latest iPhone series from Apple, already have a basic communication system that can work via satellite (usually for emergencies).

The problem is that the licences held by UK mobile operators to provide communications services do not currently authorise transmissions from space. The introduction of D2D services in terrestrial mobile bands would also raise a number of other issues, such as the potential for an increased risk of interference between the satellite and the ground infrastructure of the mobile operators.

Nevertheless, Ofcom’s previous work has uncovered plenty of support for D2D satellite services within the UK market. As a result of that they’ve today moved forward with official proposals for turning this all into a reality, which will focus on harnessing “most of the spectrum bands” licensed to UK mobile operators (EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three UK) below 3GHz.

Ofcom’s Proposals

We are consulting on the ways in which we could authorise D2D satellite services to mobile handsets using most of the spectrum bands licensed to UK MNOs below 3 GHz. Under these proposals:

• D2D services could only be provided by Satellite Operators working with the MNO who is licenced to use the relevant frequencies nationally.

• We are consulting on three potential approaches to authorising mobile handsets to communicate with a satellite in the licenced band(s): (i) a licence exemption; (ii) a variation to the MNO’s existing base station licence accompanied by a licence exemption; or (iii) a new licensing regime. We have a preference for option (ii).

• The conditions of any authorisation would require the operator(s) to manage the D2D network in a manner that does not cause harmful radio interference to existing spectrum users in the UK and overseas.

• We will review our approach following the next World Radiocommunications Conference in 2027.

In the UK such an approach would be most useful for helping to connect users in some of the remotest rural areas, as well around coastal waters and to act as a backup in case of terrestrial network outages or when needing to contact the emergency services. Mobile operators are currently looking to offer such features as a premium add-on (global or domestic roaming enhancements etc.).

David Willis, Ofcom’s Spectrum Group Director, said:

“For years, we’ve seen satellite calls in disaster movies on special handsets. We’re now on the cusp of people being able to make them on their everyday smartphones.

Ofcom always strives to be at the forefront of technological change, and we’re the first country in Europe to press ahead with the next frontier in mobile connectivity. This would unlock investment, open doors to innovation and growth, and bring much-needed mobile coverage to rural areas.”

The regulator plans to consult on these proposals until 20th May 2025 and, assuming all goes well, then they could begin authorising direct-to-device services “later this year“. We know that Vodafone already plans to launch just such a service and that EE has been playing around with some solutions of their own, so Ofcom’s changes are almost certain to be followed by some product launches.