#2026/660UK expands licence exemption for direct-to-device satellite communications
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The rules add two more frequency bands to the UK licence exemption for direct-to-device satellite communications, including services that connect satellites directly to mobile phones. They also set a separate GSM power limit for transmissions in those newly added bands. Satellite operators, mobile network operators, device makers, and compliance teams working on direct-to-device services should check whether their equipment uses the new 880.1-885.1 MHz and 925.1-930.1 MHz bands and meets the updated power limits before relying on the exemption.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Adds the 880.1-885.1 MHz frequency band to the direct-to-device satellite communications licence exemption
- Adds the 925.1-930.1 MHz frequency band to the same exemption
- Sets a 33 dBm total radiated power limit for GSM transmissions in the newly added frequency bands
Obligations
What this law requires
From 10 July 2026, wireless telegraphy apparatus used for direct-to-device satellite communications may rely on the UK licence exemption in the newly added 880.1-885.1 MHz and 925.1-930.1 MHz frequency bands only if the apparatus otherwise satisfies the exemption conditions in the Principal Regulations.
When transmitting using the GSM standard in the newly added 880.1-885.1 MHz and 925.1-930.1 MHz bands, the mean power must not exceed 33 dBm total radiated power.
When transmitting using the GSM standard on the frequencies specified in regulation 4(5)(a) and 4(5)(b) of the Principal Regulations, the mean power must not exceed 30 dBm total radiated power.