Satellite communications specialist Viasat has successfully performed what it say is the first successful direct-to-handset (D2H) communication test using direct-to-device (D2D) technology in L-band in Brazil. The demonstration showcased two smartphones connecting directly via satellite using 3GPP NTN standards without the involvement of other terrestrial infrastructure. According to Viasat, his signifies the start of a […]

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST SpaceMobile, in coordination with AT&T, the ability to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on public safety’s Band 14 spectrum via its BlueBird satellites orbiting Earth. With this approval, it is envisioned that select first responders on FirstNet, Built with AT&T will trial public-safety-grade satellite communications later in 2025. AT&T […]

In an April 4th public note the FCC’s recently appointed chair Brendan Carr listed a number of tasks on his desk for action, not least the FCC’s current ‘foreign ownership rules’. He said: “Over the years, those regulations have increased almost as quickly as interest in the Heard and McDonald Islands. But in many cases, […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom is consulting on proposed updates to its satellite filings procedures, which are the processes for obtaining internationally recognised orbits and frequency assignments for satellites. Before a satellite can use the radio spectrum and orbits it needs, it requires an associated ‘satellite filing’ to obtain international recognition of these resources through the […]

UK media regulator Ofcom has published proposals for enabling MNOs to use their spectrum for direct to device (D2D) services, in partnership with satellite providers. The proposals are open for consultation and it expects responses in by May 20th. That timeframe suggests Ofcom expects to move pretty quickly on this one. “People in the UK […]

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued its note to interested parties that it is contemplating a new move as far as satellite C-band frequencies. This move is of key interest to SES and Intelsat. The FCC has issued a ‘Notice of Inquiry’ and confirming a meeting held on February 27th, and saying it […]

The post-results analysts call with SES senior management focused on two topics: The possibility of another C-band release of spectrum to the FCC and the state of the Intelsat $3.1 billion (€2.9bn) acquisition by SES and what the consequences would be if one of the parties walked away from the deal. The FCC is holding […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom has published proposals for upper 6 GHz spectrum to be made available and shared between mobile and Wi-Fi services. The UK is spearheading efforts to explore the sharing of upper 6 GHz by these two different technologies, which should bring benefits to the economy, and has also been promoting this approach […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom has launched a consultation on its proposals to auction the upper block of 1.4 GHz band (1492-1517 MHz) for 4G and 5G mobile use. 1.4 GHz spectrum was internationally harmonised for mobile telecommunications in 2015, and 40 MHz of the band (1452-1492 MHz) is already in use by mobile network operators […]

UK comms regulator Ofcom has granted an earth station network licence to Amazon Kuiper Services Europe SARL for its ‘Kuiper’ non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite system. This decision means Kuiper will be authorised to provide satellite connectivity services such as high speed, low latency broadband to customers in the UK. Satellite services transmit data to and […]