Satellite and mobile networks are entering a more complex spectrum era. Demand for direct phone connectivity from space keeps rising. That shift is testing rules built for separate network worlds.
At RCRTech’s recent NTN Integration Forum, regulators discussed this fast-changing landscape. Elizabeth Quintana of Ofcom captured the mood clearly. “We definitely live in interesting times.”
The focus was non-terrestrial networks and direct-to-device satellite services. NTN links use satellites, high-altitude platforms, or similar systems. D2D lets ordinary phones connect directly to satellites.
This model could help close coverage gaps in rural areas. It could also support emergency messaging when mobile towers fail. For operators, it creates new service options beyond traditional cell sites.
However, spectrum sharing remains difficult. Mobile operators already use many bands for terrestrial services. Satellite companies now want access to some of those same frequencies.
That overlap complicates licensing, interference control, and border coordination. Regulators must protect existing users while enabling new services. The challenge grows when satellites cross national boundaries in minutes.
Different markets are already taking different routes. Spain is moving carefully with controlled trials. Julia Criado said tests with Starlink use the 2.6GHz mobile band, “and these trials allow us to better understand how the service works.”
The UK has taken a more pragmatic position. Quintana said the country wants NTN to extend broadband and mobile reach. She also noted the UK enabled direct-to-device satellite services using IMT spectrum.
The US has moved faster. The FCC introduced a 2024 framework for satellite use of terrestrial bands. Arpan Sura described the policy as an “all‑of‑the‑above” spectrum strategy.
This approach could speed commercial launches and attract investment. Yet it may also pressure other regions to respond faster. Sura warned about European moves around the 2GHz MSS band.
The next major global step comes at WRC-27 in 2027. The ITU conference will examine direct satellite links to regular mobile phones. The work covers spectrum from 694/698MHz to 2.7GHz.
These bands already support terrestrial 4G and 5G services. They also host radar, Earth observation, and aviation-related systems. Each use case needs protection from harmful interference.
Audrey Allison of The Aerospace Corporation framed the process as gradual change. “The beautiful thing about these radio regulations is we incrementally change them every four years… We’re always tinkering with them, and we’ll keep doing so in the future,”
For telecom engineers and service providers, the message is clear. Satellite and mobile networks will no longer evolve separately. Spectrum policy now sits at the center of future connectivity.
