Ofcom has made new regulations to allow mobile handsets and other SIM‑enabled devices to connect directly to authorised satellites without an individual wireless telegraphy licence. The measure is intended to take effect on 25 February 2026, creating a lawful path for mass‑market ‘direct‑to‑device’ (D2D) services in the UK. (ofcom.org.uk)
Formally titled the Wireless Telegraphy (Direct to Device Satellite Communications) (Exemption) Regulations 2026, the instrument was made on 16 February 2026 and comes into force on 25 February 2026. It applies across the UK but does not extend to the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (ofcom.org.uk)
The exemption covers wireless electronic communications services provided by an undertaking operating a mobile satellite system, enabling terrestrial users to send and receive signals directly to and from a space station. It does not apply where the apparatus is, or forms part of, a commercial multi‑user gateway device-defined as equipment using more than one SIM card to divert calls or SMS for multiple end users. (ofcom.org.uk)
Operation is confined to two paired segments of the 1800 MHz mobile band: 1710.1–1715.9 MHz and 1805.1–1810.9 MHz. These narrow sub‑bands anchor the initial D2D authorisation and are the only frequencies on which exempt end‑user devices may transmit to, and receive from, the space segment. (ofcom.org.uk)
Devices must use specific European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) references: GSM EN 301 511 V12.5.1; UMTS EN 301 908‑1 V15.2.1 and EN 301 908‑2 V13.1.1; LTE EN 301 908‑1 V15.2.1 and EN 301 908‑13 V13.2.1; and 5G NR EN 301 908‑1 V15.2.1 and EN 301 908‑25 V15.1.1. Version control matters: compliance is tied to these exact releases. (ofcom.org.uk)
Strict power limits apply. Mean total radiated power must not exceed 30 dBm when using GSM, and 25 dBm when using UMTS, LTE or 5G NR. In addition, apparatus must not cause or contribute to undue interference, and airborne use is prohibited-covering aircraft and unmanned aerial platforms. (ofcom.org.uk)
The end‑user exemption sits within Ofcom’s wider D2D framework. Mobile network operators must first secure a variation to their spectrum licence to provide D2D services; the exemption then allows customers to lawfully connect. Ofcom has approved a variation for Telefónica UK (VMO2) and has inserted the associated frequencies into the Regulations. Ofcom will consult to add further frequencies as other MNO variations are granted. (ofcom.org.uk)
Ofcom’s impact assessment highlights expected public benefits: improved outdoor coverage in remote areas and a basic backup service during terrestrial outages, including enhanced access to 999. These are additive to, not a replacement for, terrestrial networks, and performance will reflect the narrow spectrum and conservative power limits set in law. (ofcom.org.uk)
For network operators and satellite partners, immediate tasks include ensuring satellite payloads, network control and ground segment coordination align with the specified ETSI releases and power masks, and that user equipment management disables operation in airborne scenarios. Commercial multi‑user gateway products remain out of scope and will continue to require licensing or separate authorisation, if permitted at all under existing rules. (ofcom.org.uk)
For device manufacturers and enterprise users, compliance hinges on supporting the listed standards in the 1800 MHz band and observing the stated power ceilings. Organisations planning resilience use cases should treat D2D as an augmentation path for basic connectivity rather than a like‑for‑like substitute for terrestrial capacity. The legal change lands on 25 February 2026; deployment will scale as operators complete licence variations and service integrations. (ofcom.org.uk)