Ofcom HDFSS 28 GHz Licence Exemption Amendment (No.2) 2026 — UK Satellite Spectrum Update
- May 4
- 4 min read
On 15 April 2026, Ofcom published its statement confirming its decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2026, following a notice of proposed regulations published on 11 Decemeber 2025. This update forms part of a broader effort to modernise the UK's spectrum framework and support the growth of satellite broadband services across the country.
The regulations amend the existing license exemption framework that governs how High Density Fixed Satellite Service (HDFSS) systems may operate in the UK without requiring an individual wireless telegraphy licence.
What Is HDFSS?
HDFSS is a generic term for satellite technology designed to provide broadband internet and multimedia access. The exemption applies typically to small, ubiquitous satellite user terminals (earth stations) that transmit with a maximum radiated power of 50 dBW, in accordance with IR 2066.
These terminals are deployed by consumers and businesses seeking satellite-based internet connectivity — a category that includes services such as Starlink and similar low-orbit broadband platforms increasingly used across the UK.
What Changed: The Ofcom HDFSS 28 GHz Licence Exemption Amendment (No.2) 2026
Extended Frequency Range in the 28 GHz Band
The Ofcom HDFSS 28 GHz licence exemption 2026 update extends the frequency range that HDFSS terminals may use without requiring an individual wireless telegraphy licence.
Prior to this amendment, the exemption covered the frequency ranges 27.5-27.8185 GHz, 28.4545-28.8265 GHz and 29.4625-30 GHz. The 2026 amendment revises and extends these ranges to give HDFSS terminals access to a wider portion of the available 28 GHz spectrum.
Updated Interface Requirement IR 2066
Ofcom also confirmed it would update and publish the related technical rulebook, Interface Requirement IR 2066, to reflect the revised frequency ranges now available to HDFSS systems. IR 2066 is the governing document that sets the technical operating conditions — including power limits and interference protection parameters — that all licence-exempt HDFSS terminals must comply with.
Background and Policy Context
This update follows policy decisions set out in Ofcom's February 2025 statement on increasing usea of the 27.5-30 GHz and 32 GHz bands, as well as its October 2025 statement on making additional equipment licence exempt.
The consultation on the proposed regulations closed on 22 January 2026, with Ofcom inviting feedback on the proposal to extend the frequency range for use of HDFSS systems in the 28 GHz band.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Manufacturers of HDFSS terminals including satellite dish hardware, modem units, and integrated broadband terminals, face direct regulatory implications from this updated:
New frequency compliance required. Terminals must be capable of operating across the revised and extended frecuency ranges now defined under the updated exemption. Products designed only to the pre-April 2026 frequency parameters may require redesign or re-validation.
IR 2066 is the reference standard. All technical performance, power limits and interference mitigation requirements for licence-exempt HDFSS terminals are governed by IR 2066. Manufacturers must align product specifications and test reports to the new version once published by Ofcom.
Market access in the UK depends on compliance. Products placed on the UK market that are used as HDFSS terminals must comply with the current version of IR 2066 to benefit from the licence exemption. Non-compliant terminals may require individual wireless telegraphy licensing.
Declaration of Conformity documentation should be reviewed. Any existing technical documentation referencing the previous frequency ranges or the pre-2026 version of IR 2066 must be updated to reflect the amended requirements.
Certification Impact Summary
Aspect | Before Amendment | After Amendment (from 29 April 2026) |
Frequency Range | 27.5–27.8185 GHz, 28.4545–28.8265 GHz, 29.4625–30 GHz | Extended ranges within the 28 GHz band (per updated IR 2066) |
Technical Standard | IR 2066 (March 2023 version) | IR 2066 (updated 2026 version — to be published by Ofcom) |
Licence Requirement | Exempt under Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations | Exempt under amended Regulations — compliance with new IR 2066 required |
Max Radiated Power | 50 dBW | 50 dBW (no change indicated) |
Entry into Force | — | 29 April 2026 |
Benefits of the Amendment
The extension of the permitted frequency range within the 28 GHz band means that HDFSS terminals have access to more spectrum, supporting better performance and reduced congestion for satellite broadband services in the UK.
This expansion is expected to benefit end-users in rural and underserved areas of the UK, where satellite broadband represents the primary or only viable high-speed internet option.
Timeline and Required Actions
Date | Event |
February 2025 | Ofcom publishes statement on use of 27.5–30 GHz and 32 GHz bands |
October 2025 | Ofcom statement on expanding licence-exempt equipment categories |
11 December 2025 | Notice of proposed Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption)(Amendment) Regulations published |
22 January 2026 | Consultation response deadline |
15 April 2026 | Ofcom publishes final statement confirming the Amendment (No.2) Regulations 2026 |
29 April 2026 | Regulations enter into force |
Post-29 April 2026 | Updated IR 2066 published on Ofcom website — operators and manufacturers must ensure compliance |
Required Actions for Operators and Manufacturers
Monitor Ofcom's website for the publication of the updated IR 2066, which will define the exact revised frequency ranges and technical conditions.
Review existing terminal specifications against the new frequency parameters once IR 2066 is published.
Update technical documentation, including Declarations of Conformity referencing the previous version of IR 2066.
Assess new product designs for compliance with the extended 28 GHz frequency range before placing equipment on the UK market.
Confirm commercial arrangements with satellite network operators to ensure planned service deployments fall within the newly exempt spectrum allocations.
