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 could soon be able to make satellite calls from their everyday smartphones,” the regulator said in a statement accompanying the proposals, a theme that was picked up by Ofcom’s Spectrum Group Director David Willis. “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.”

It has suggested three possible approaches. Its preference is to amend existing mobile operator licences to facilitate D2D, but it is also floating the idea of new licences specifically for the service, or a licence-exempt approach. It aims to make a decision on the results of the consultation and begin authorising direct-to-device services by the end of the year.

Ofcom is clearly keen for the UK to be the first in Europe to allow D2D services, but there might be little point rushing if the coverage is not yet in place. However, the major advocate is Vodafone who is working with – and is a major investor in – LEO satellite operator AST SpaceMobile.

But AST SpaceMobile only launched its first five BlueBird satellites that will serve its direct-to-device offer in September last year. It is working on more launches – it has contracts for around 60 launches this year and next. This compares with 330 Starlink birds, which though not a direct read across – gives an idea of the gap.

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Categories: Articles, Mobile, Satellite, Spectrum

Tags: d2d, LEO, Ofcom, Vodafone