Consultation outcome

Revocation of the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Services Regulations

Updated 12 January 2026

Introduction

In 2010, the UK implemented SI 2010/672 (“The Authorisation of Frequency Use for the Provision of Mobile Satellite Services (European Union) Regulations 2010”) to authorise two Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) operators to use spectrum in the 2 GHz band, aligning with EU-wide decisions at the time. These licences are due to expire on 13 May 2027.

As we approach this date, it is important to ensure that the UK’s legal and regulatory framework remains fit for purpose. In particular, the current legislation includes provisions that could restrict any future use of the band once the licences expire.  Revocation of this secondary legislation will not affect the rights of current licence holders, which remain valid until 13 May 2027. However, if the Regulations are not revoked, it would be an offence for any entity, including the current licensees, to transmit in the band after 13 May 2027.

This consultation therefore sets out our plan to revoke SI 2010/672.

The revocation would come into effect immediately after 13 May 2027 and would enable Ofcom to carry out its functions and duties, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 and Communications Act 2003 to consider how best to authorise future use of the band after the current user’s licence expiration.

We welcome feedback from stakeholders, particularly from those using or planning to use the 2 GHz MSS band, to help assess the impact of revocation and inform next steps.

Simultaneously, DSIT is working in close collaboration with Ofcom to undertake an internal review of the existing current enforcement regime. This review is being conducted in accordance with the duty placed on the Secretary of State by virtue of Regulation 14 of the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Satellite Service) (Exemption) Regulations 2013, which amended the 2010 Regulations. Previous reviews were conducted by government in 2018 and 2023. The findings of the current review will be published alongside the government response to consultation feedback.

General information

Why we are consulting

We are consulting on the proposed revocation from 13 May 2027 of the Authorisation of Frequency Use for the Provision of Mobile Satellite Services (European Union) Regulations 2010 (“the Regulations”), which were originally made under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 (“ECA 1972”) to implement the requirement of:

1. Decision 626/2008/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 June 2008 on the authorisation of selected applicants to use radio spectrum within the 2GHz band for the operation of mobile satellite services in the European Union (“the EU Decision”).
   
2. Decision 2009/449/EC of the Commission of 13 May 2009 which confirms the two selected applicants of mobile satellite services (“the Commission Decision”).

In order to fulfil the UK’s obligation as part of the EU, the Regulations authorised Inmarsat Ventures Limited and Solaris Mobile Limited (now Echostar) to utilise frequencies in the 2 GHz band (in frequencies 1980 to 2010 MHz for ground-to-satellite and frequencies 2170 to 2200 MHz for satellite-to-ground) for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operations in the EU.

The authorisations granted under the Regulations for the provision of mobile satellite services in the 2GHz band were time-bound to a period of 18 years from 14 May 2009. These authorisations are not transferable and only the two operators licensed by Ofcom are authorised to use the specified frequencies.

The Regulations were later amended by the Authorisation of Frequency Use for the Provision of Mobile Satellite Services (European Union) (Amendment) Regulations 2013, which established a common enforcement regime across the EU (“2013 Regulations”) and the Radio Spectrum (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1385) (“2018 Regulations”).

Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, the EU Decision and the Commission Decision were revoked by the Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1385). The Regulations are now assimilated law under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (“REUL Act 2023”).

Since the powers under the ECA 1972 are no longer available, the government intends to revoke the Regulations using powers under section 14 of the REUL Act 2023. If the Regulations are not revoked, it would be an offence for any entity (including the current licensees) to transmit in the band to provide MSS after 13 May 2027. This would mean the 2 GHz spectrum band could not legally be used in the UK.

The revocation of SI 2010/672 would ensure the legal framework is fit for purpose and would enable Ofcom to carry out its functions and duties under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed revocation. This revocation contributes to the government’s Smarter Regulation programme, which aims to reduce regulatory burdens and remove outdated EU-derived legislation from the UK statute book.

Consultation details

Issued: 7 November 2025
Respond by: 11:59pm on 5 December 2025

Enquiries to:

Spectrum Team
Digital Infrastructure Directorate
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
22-26 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2BQ

Email: spectrum@dsit.gov.uk.

Consultation reference: Proposed revocation of SI 2010/672

Audiences:

We would like to hear from stakeholders with an interest in:

• spectrum management
• satellite communications

Territorial extent:

United Kingdom

How to respond to this consultation

This consultation closed at 11:59pm on 5 December 2025.   

When responding, please indicate whether you are replying as an individual or on behalf of an organisation.

We encourage you to respond directly to the questions posed in the consultation. However, additional comments and supporting evidence are also welcome.

In exceptional circumstances, if you need to submit a hard copy or require another format (e.g. braille or large font), or have any question contact spectrum@dsit.gov.uk.

Confidentiality and data protection

Information you provide in response to this consultation, including personal information, may be disclosed in accordance with UK legislation (the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004).

If you want the information that you provide to be treated as confidential please tell us, but be aware that we cannot guarantee confidentiality in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not be regarded by us as a confidentiality request.

We will process your personal data in accordance with all applicable data protection laws. See our privacy policy.

We will summarise all responses and publish this summary on GOV.UK. The summary will include a list of names or organisations that responded, but not people’s personal names, addresses or other contact details.

Quality assurance

This consultation has been carried out in accordance with the government’s consultation principles.

If you have any complaints about the way this consultation has been conducted, please email: beis.bru@dsit.gov.uk.

The proposals

DSIT is seeking views on the proposed revocation of these Regulations, originally made under section 2(2) of ECA 1972 to implement the requirement of the EU Decision and the Commission Decision. Under the Regulations, Inmarsat Ventures Limited and Solaris Mobile Limited (now Echostar) were authorised to use specific frequencies in the 2 GHz band for MSS operations in the EU.

This authorisation was granted for 18 years with effect from 14 May 2009 and is non-transferable. Use of these frequencies without an authorisation granted by Ofcom under the Regulations is a criminal offence.

The Regulations are assimilated law under the REUL Act 2023. We are proposing to revoke the entire instrument, thereby removing all provisions in the Regulations. Table 1 sets out the effect of revocation across the provisions after 13 May 2027.

Table 1: Summary of Provision and Effect of Revocation

Summary of Provision	Effect of Revocation
Prohibits use of the 2 GHz MSS band (1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz) without authorisation from Ofcom. Breach is a criminal offence. 2010/672 Regulation 2	Removes the EU-derived offence provision. Future use of the band will be governed by domestic frameworks (e.g. Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006). Ofcom retains discretion to authorise use under UK law.
Requires Ofcom to grant authorisation only to operators selected by the European Commission subject to conditions set out in Regulation 4 2010/672 Regulation 3	Removes the obligation to follow EU selection decisions. Ofcom will have full discretion to determine future authorisations post-13 May 2027.
Sets the duration of MSS authorisations to 18 years from May 2009 (i.e. until May 2027). 2010/672 Regulation 4	Does not impact current licences. Provides a clear endpoint for EU-based authorisations and enables transition to UK-only regulation post-2027.
Permits the use of Complementary Ground Components (CGCs) to support MSS. 2010/672 Regulation 13	CGC authorisations will no longer follow EU rules. Ofcom may issue new guidance or authorisations under UK frameworks.

Ofcom is considering future uses of the band in line with its existing duties and powers. The revocation is intended to ensure that the 2 GHz band can be used once the licences expire.

Ofcom is exploring options for managing access to and use of the 2GHz band post-May 2027. This may include different licensing approaches, potential alignment with broader regional developments, or other regulatory mechanisms deemed appropriate at the time. As part of that work, Ofcom ran a Call for Input on potential future uses in the UK, which closed on 19 September 2025. Ofcom will consult on future proposals in 2026.

Regardless of the future approach to the use of the band, it is necessary for the current Regulations to be revoked. Without revocation, future use of the band cannot be authorised under UK law. The 2013 Regulations will also be subject to consequential revocation.

We note that the European Commission issued a consultation on the future of this band within the EU, which closed at the end of June 2025. These developments highlight the importance of ensuring our domestic legislation is clear and up to date.  

As part of this consultation, we are obliged to consider the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). We do not believe that the proposals would have any impact considering the 3 equality objectives outlined by the PSED. This is because the revocation would not directly result in changes to spectrum use. Rather, any impact would arise from future decisions made by Ofcom. Therefore, we believe that an Impact Assessment is not required in this instance, given the nature and scope of the proposed revocation.

Consultation questions

1. Do you agree with the government’s proposal to revoke the 2 GHz MSS Regulations (SI 2010/672) (the Regulations)?
   
2. Are there any provisions in these Regulations that you believe should be preserved or restated in domestic law?
   
3. Do you have any additional comments or evidence to support your response?

Next steps

Following the close of this consultation, the government will review all responses and consider any evidence or views submitted. A summary of responses and the government’s decision will be published within six weeks of the consultation closing date.

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the government intends to proceed with revoking SI 2010/672 through secondary legislation, with the revocation taking effect from 13 May 2027.

We will continue to work closely with Ofcom and international partners to support future spectrum planning and authorisation of the band.