UK comms regulator Ofcom is proposing to grant an earth station network licence to Amazon Kuiper Services Europe SARL (Kuiper) for its non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite system, which is also known as ‘Kuiper’.

This would authorise it to deploy user terminals (the dishes and antennas used by customers to connect to an NGSO satellite system) using ‘Ka band’ spectrum frequencies in the UK.

Kuiper plans to use its NGSO satellite system to provide secure, high-speed, low-latency broadband services to households, businesses and other potential customers in the UK.

Ofcom’s NGSO licensing framework sets out its approach to assessing NGSO licence applications. For example, it considers whether they can coexist with other relevant systems, networks and services using the same frequencies, and assess any potential risks to competition.

Ofcom is inviting comments on Kuiper’s application, and its proposal to grant this licence, by October 4th 2024. Ofcom will take into account all responses to this consultation before reaching a final decision.

Other posts by Colin Mann:

1. Analysis: SVoDs drive $220bn content spend
2. A TikToking clock heading towards regeneration – or not?
3. European pay-radio: Getting ready

Categories: Articles, Broadband, Business, Policy, Regulation, Satellite, Spectrum

Tags: Kuiper, NGSO, non-geostationary orbit, Ofcom, satellite