2024 saw a huge number of national consultations worldwide, with many having seismic importance for the deployment of new satellite services and technologies in key markets.
In this second of our two-part Blog series looking at national consultations, we elaborate on some key highlights from 2024.
A wide-ranging set of consultations
To give an idea of the regularity and geographical diversity, below are examples of national consultations for satellite in 2024:
- India (TRAI) - Consultation Paper on Terms and Conditions for the Assignment of Spectrum for Certain Satellite-Based Commercial Communication Services
- UK (Ofcom) - Call for input on Improving Mobile Connectivity from the Sky and Space for direct-to-device and MSS services
- Canada (ISED) - Consultation on a Policy, Licensing and Technical Framework for Supplemental Mobile Coverage by Satellite
- South Africa (ICASA) – Public Consultation into a New Licensing Framework on Satellite Services
- Indonesia (KOMINFO) - Public Consultation on Draft Ministerial Regulation on Radio Frequency Spectrum for Satellite and Satellite Orbit Purposes
- Saudi Arabia (CST) - Public Consultation on Regulations for the use of radio spectrum for satellite services
- Oman (TRA) - Public Consultation on the 2GHz Frequency Bands for the Future Development of Terrestrial and Satellite components of IMT including Satellite IoT
- Brazil (ANATEL) - Public consultation on Mobile Satellite and Internet of Things regulations outlining technical compliance for terminal access stations
- Zambia (ZICTA) - Public Consultation on Proposed Satellite Regulatory Framework
- Tanzania (TCRA) - Pubic Consultation on Proposed Guidelines for Satellite Landing Rights and ESIM
- Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) - Consultative Document on the Spectrum Plan for the Accommodation of Non-Terrestrial Networks
- Cayman Islands (OfReg) - Consultation Framework for the Licensing of Satellite-Based Telecommunications Providers
- Bangladesh (BTRC) – Public Consultation on Draft Regulatory and Licencing Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Service Operator
From the UK and Canada, to Zambia and South Africa, 2024 was a busy year for national developments, covering everything from whole new licensing frameworks for satellite-related services, and related spectrum needs, to “hot topics” of Direct-to-Device (D2D), Internet-of-Things (IoT) and “Non-Terrestrial Networks” (NTN). This excludes dozens of other national consultations worldwide, where satellite stakeholder opportunities were also found.
Major developments in D2D
In June, the ISED in Canada held a Consultation on Supplemental Mobile Coverage by Satellite (“SMCS”), which followed the FCC’s own initiative in the United States during 2023 on its Supplemental Coverage from Space (“SCS”) framework. The FCC consultation on SCS (“Notice of Proposed Rulemaking”) was first published in March 2023, with the final framework only concluded in 2024.
At the start of 2024, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) also held a consultation on regulatory issues for D2D, with the Outcomes published in September.
In July, Ofcom UK published a call for input on Improving Mobile Connectivity from the Sky and Space including D2D, resulting in a Statement published in November. Several stakeholders urged Ofcom to adopt a similar approach to the FCC’s SCS framework in the US. Ofcom announced plans to further consult on proposals to authorise D2D in mobile bands in early 2025, which could potentially enable services to UK consumers late 2025.
These developments for D2D illustrate how licensing rules are being forged on a country-by-country basis, without waiting for international consensus to emerge. The topic of D2D in the mobile terrestrial spectrum will only be considered at the ITU in 2027, under agenda item 1.13 of the WRC-27. Until then, national consultations will remain a key forum for licensing developments in this area.
Africa’s progress in Satellite Service Licensing
Africa is a region with strong potential for satellite services, but with high barriers to entry owing largely to outdated regulations. Several countries took steps to address these problems during 2024.
In Zambia, ZICTA launched a consultation in August 2024 for its proposed satellite regulatory framework “to consider national and international stakeholder comments on the Authority’s preliminary views” and “seeking to address [the] objectives in the new framework in a collaborate and consultative manner”. ICASA in South Africa launched a consultation around the same time, on a new satellite licencing framework of its own. These followed a consultation in Tanzania (TCRA) earlier in 2024 on Proposed Guidelines for Satellite Landing Rights and ESIM. In all cases, the regulators acknowledged the emergence of new technologies and shared a common objective to improve transparency and modernise their frameworks for satellite services in the country “for satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers and end users”, to help foster innovative and competitive satellite services.
Aside from proposals on landing rights, a common goal was adoption of a streamlined “blanket licensing” regime for satellite terminals in the MSS/ FSS bands, plus the facilitation of moving earth stations (on ships and aircraft) entering the territory on a temporary basis (“ESIM”). The proposals included common technical and operational conditions, to ensure co-existence and interference mitigation. Thus replacing outdated requirements where terminals are licensed individually by the end user, creating obstacles to satellite services take-up.
Middle East, Asia, and South America
Multiple consultations sprung up in other key regions. Taking as a major example India’s Consultation on Terms and Conditions for the Assignment of Spectrum for Satellite-based Commercial Communication Services, released in September, and Indonesia’s Draft Ministerial Regulation For Radio Frequency Spectrum For Satellite And Orbit Purposes.
In Oman, the TRA requested comments on the 2GHz Frequency Bands For Future Developments In Terrestrial And Satellite Components Of IMT, and in Saudi Arabia the CST opened their doors to a series of satellite-related consultations under the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” initiative. Consultations also featured in South America, where countries like Brazil consulted on a range of satellite matters, from IoT to direct-to-device.
This excludes dozens of other, wider-reaching national consultations worldwide – on national spectrum planning and forward-looking “outlooks”, and on terrestrial topics like IMT, 5G and 6G Roadmaps, where satellite now features among the considerations, and where stakeholder opportunities are found. For example, the CST of Saudi Arabia consulted on a Spectrum Outlook for Commercial and Innovative Use 2024-2027, in September. This reflected CST’s goal “to unlock the potential of all radiocommunications in Saudi Arabia, to ensure a smarter and safer future by managing spectrum effectively and efficiently”. The consultation received comments from over 60 entities, with many suggesting satellite D2D and IoT services as priorities for the Outlook.
Looking ahead
2025 is set to be another busy year of evolving regulations around the world, carrying forward the momentum of 2024. Satellite stakeholders can expect similar opportunities for engagement at the national levels, not least in the form of consultations. In this fast-moving and complex environment, we help clients monitor, evaluate and engage in developments, to optimise their market access strategies and deliver on regional expansion goals.
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