Amazon Kuiper satellite constellation granted UK licence

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has granted Amazon an earth station network licence for its Kuiper satellite constellation. The regulator has also expanded radio spectrum availability to unlock more opportunities for satellite and fixed wireless services.  

Amazon Kuiper Services Europe SARL, the division overseeing its satellite internet project, has been authorised by Ofcom to operate in the UK. The non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite system promises to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband to customers—particularly in underserved areas.  

Kuiper will operate in the Ka band frequencies, specifically in ranges of 27.5-27.9405 GHz, 28.4545-28.9485 GHz, and 29.5-30 GHz. These frequency allocations will allow the network to transmit data to and from space efficiently, enabling internet access in rural and remote areas that often struggle with connectivity.

Satellites like Kuiper are a key component in addressing the digital divide, offering a lifeline of connectivity for regions where traditional infrastructure is not viable.

In addition to approving Project Kuiper’s licence, Ofcom has unveiled plans to release more radio spectrum in the 28 GHz and 32 GHz bands. This spectrum release aims to bolster connectivity through both satellite and fixed link services—providing additional capacity for innovation, growth, and greater customer access.  

Ofcom notes how these frequencies are particularly suited to fixed links and satellite connectivity services. Fixed links are wireless systems that transmit data between two or more fixed points, often used as an alternative solution in areas where fibre connectivity is unavailable.  

For satellites, the 28 GHz band is particularly valuable for use in gateways – central hubs connecting satellite networks to the internet, private networks, or cloud services – as well as satellite terminals like dishes.  

The regulator’s spectrum expansion includes the immediate availability of two blocks in the 28 GHz band for land-based satellite terminals and satellite gateways:  

• Nationwide: 2 x 112 MHz of spectrum at 27.8285-27.9405 GHz paired with 28.8365-28.9485 GHz.  
• London and Northern Ireland: Additional 2 x 112 MHz of spectrum at 28.1925-28.3045 GHz paired with 29.2005-29.3125 GHz (initially for satellite gateways, with later inclusion of fixed links in 2023).  

For the 32 GHz band, Ofcom will release:  

• 2 x 112 MHz of spectrum at 32.459-32.571 GHz paired with 33.271-33.383 GHz for nationwide use in point-to-point fixed links, available from 2025.  

Ofcom is also monitoring further spectrum at 27.9405-28.0525 GHz and 29.9485-29.0605 GHz. A decision on its allocation will be made after assessing the uptake of the newly released spectrum blocks.  

While Ofcom is facilitating broader spectrum accessibility, it has decided not to introduce new direct authorisations for satellite gateways operating in the 28 GHz band. Instead, the regulator is relying on market mechanisms, such as spectrum leasing agreements between parties, to enable further sharing. However, Ofcom has left the door open to revisit this approach if proved ineffective.  

Nina Percival, Director of Spectrum Management and Authorisation at Ofcom, said: “In line with our mission to support innovation, investment, and growth, today’s decisions provide further opportunity for new services delivering better connectivity for people and businesses in the UK—and particularly to those in harder-to-reach rural communities.”

These moves by Ofcom advance both the near-term goal of improving connectivity for rural and remote areas and the longer-term objective of fostering innovation in the satellite and telecoms markets.  

Amazon Kuiper adds another key player to the emerging satellite broadband sector in the UK, where competition is heating up with rival services such as SpaceX’s Starlink. This diversity of providers will likely drive innovation, reduce costs, and further bridge Britain’s digital divide.

(Image credit: Amazon)

See also: UK Space Agency awards £16M to satellite projects

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Tags: amazon, connectivity, europe, kuiper, licence, Networks, ofcom, regulation, satellites, space, spectrum, telecoms, uk