Satellite & Space Project News - March 2016

UK Space Spectrum Strategy – Have your say

UK regulator, Ofcom, has issued a consultation on its proposed "Space Spectrum Strategy". Ofcom is inviting stakeholders to respond on its priorities in relation to the use of spectrum by the satellite and space science (including earth observation) sectors.   Ofcom outlines three main priorities:  (i) enabling growth in satellite broadband communications in hard-to-reach locations in the UK and to aircraft and ships, (ii) ensuring growth in the quality and quantity of earth observation data, and (iii) ensuring that UK citizens and consumers continue to enjoy the diverse benefits that flow from satellites and space science, including TV, navigation services, broadband connectivity, emergency communications and national security.  Ofcom also plans to explore opportunities for spectrum sharing in bands currently used by the space sector as well as the scope for new uses of spectrum in adjacent bands.  The consultation