In the UK, any person who wishes to operate an earth station gateway, or earth station terminals, as part of a NGSO satellite network must obtain a relevant earth station licence from Ofcom.
In December 2021, Ofcom introduced changes to its existing NGSO earth station licensing process.
In February 2022 DLA Piper published an article on the winter update (the “Winter Update”) to Project Gigabit (“Project”) and the developments made by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (“DCMS”) as it progresses towards national coverage of gigabit-capable broadband. Further detail
Continue Reading Project Gigabit: Spring Update 2022
In the UK, Ofcom is responsible for, among other things, authorising and moderating use of radio spectrum. This is done through the granting of licences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 or by making regulations exempting the use of particular equipment from the need to obtain such a licence. As
Continue Reading Ofcom proceeds with implementing the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Repeater) (Exemption) Regulations 2022
Under the Government’s 2021 National Space Strategy, the Government has an aim for the UK to be a leader of commercial small satellite launches in Europe by 2030.
It is clear the Government and industry are taking steps towards achieving this goal.
As we move into the second half of
Continue Reading UK plans to encourage the development of the UK space sector
On 15 March 2022, Ofcom published a proposed Space Spectrum Strategy (Strategy) for consultation. The Strategy replaces an existing Space Spectrum Strategy published by Ofcom in 2017 and specifically sets out practical work actions Ofcom will focus on over the next two to four years.
Due to the
Continue Reading Ofcom publishes new Space Spectrum Strategy for consultation
This year has seen several pieces of legislation, regulations, and other instruments, released by the UK Government under a broader package of measures to maintain and enhance the security of communications networks and services in the UK. This includes, among others, the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 (the “Security Act
Continue Reading Telecoms security: Draft Ofcom compliance guidance and resilience guidelines released for consultation
In November 2021, DLA Piper reported on the new Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 (the “Security Act”), which amends the existing telecoms security regime in place under the Communications Act 2003 (the “Communications Act”).
The Security Act establishes the overarching security obligations of telecoms providers, and provides
Continue Reading Draft Telecoms Security Regulations and Code of Practice released for consultation
On 17 November 2021, the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 (the “Security Act”) was passed into law.
The Security Act will amend the existing security duties under the Communications Act 2003 (the “Communications Act”) which are applicable to providers of Public Electronic Communications Networks (“PECNs”)
Continue Reading Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021: New security obligations on providers of communications networks and services, and new powers for Ofcom to enforce compliance
Background
With the implementation of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) in the banking sector (known as ‘Open Banking’) well under way, the release of draft amendments to the CDR rules for the energy sector, and the continuing development of the framework for implementing the CDR in the telecommunications sector,
Continue Reading Consumer Data Right pipeline to cast a wide net
In 2018, we published an article setting out Ofcom’s commitment to supporting investment in full fibre broadband and highlighted changes Ofcom was planning to introduce to applicable market regulation to support investment in fibre networks.
Market regulation in the wholesale fixed telecommunications market set out in our article fell away
Continue Reading UPDATE: Regulation of Fibre Broadband in the UK: Ofcom publishes wholesale fixed telecommunications market review decisions for 2021-2026
