The Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Published: Mon 22nd Jun 26

Expanded the frequency bands and adjusted transmission power limits for license-exempt direct-to-device satellite communication apparatus.

These Regulations amend the Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) Regulations 2026 to include additional frequency bands in the licensing exemption for satellite-to-device communications.

They authorize the establishment, installation, and use of wireless telegraphy apparatus within the 880.1-885.1 Megahertz and 925.1-930.1 Megahertz ranges without a formal license, provided specific power limits are met.

The regulations apply to any person or entity operating apparatus, such as mobile phones, capable of direct communication with satellite systems using the specified frequencies and GSM standards.

Arguments For

The Office of Communications (OFCOM) states that the regulations extend the circumstances in which wireless telegraphy apparatus, such as mobile phones used for direct-to-device satellite services, are exempt from licensing requirements under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.
Proponents argue the amendment facilitates the use of specific frequency bands (880.1-885.1 MHz and 925.1-930.1 MHz) for satellite-to-mobile communications.
The document indicates that OFCOM followed statutory procedures including giving notice and considering representations as required by section 122 of the Act.

Arguments Against

Technical experts may raise concerns regarding potential interference if the mean power levels for GSM transmissions, which are increased to 33 dBm for the newly added frequency bands, are not strictly managed.
Legal analysts might question the transparency of the regulatory impact assessment if it is only accessible via physical libraries or specific website links not directly embedded in the instrument.
Affected telecommunications providers in adjacent frequency bands could argue that the addition of 880.1-885.1 MHz and 925.1-930.1 MHz requires further evaluation regarding existing spectral usage rights.

Citation and commencement

These Regulations may be cited as the Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and shall come into force on 10th July 2026.

This section establishes the official title of the legal instrument and sets the date of July 10, 2026, for when these rules become legally active. It provides the necessary reference for legal and administrative identification.

Amendment of the Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) Regulations 2026

—(1) The Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) Regulations 2026 are amended as follows.

(2) In regulation 4, paragraph (5)—

(a) omit ‘and’ after sub-paragraph (a);

(b) for sub-paragraph (b) substitute ‘Megahertz;’ for ‘Megahertz.’; and

‘(c) 880.1-885.1 Megahertz; and

(d) 925.1-930.1 Megahertz.’.

(3) For regulation 4, paragraph (8) substitute—

‘(8) When transmitting using the GSM standard, the mean power must not exceed—

(a) 30dBm total radiated power when transmitting on the frequencies specified in regulation 4, paragraph (5), sub-paragraphs (a) and (b); and

(b) 33 dBm total radiated power when transmitting on the frequencies specified in regulation 4, paragraph (5), sub-paragraphs (c) and (d).’.

This section modifies the 2026 Principal Regulations by adding two new frequency ranges to the list of bands exempt from licensing: 880.1-885.1 MHz and 925.1-930.1 MHz.

It also sets maximum power limits for devices using Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) standards.

Specifically, it permits a higher power level of 33 dBm for the newly added frequency bands compared to the 30 dBm limit maintained for previously listed bands.

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