The telecoms regulator Ofcom has approved a second licence variation to enable mobile operator VodafoneThree (Vodafone and Three UK) to provide Direct-to-Device (D2D) services using its licensed spectrum in the 900MHz band (i.e. using satellites to connect with regular 4G and 5G Smartphones – bringing mobile broadband, calls and text connectivity to the remotest areas).
In case anybody has forgotten. Ofcom has already approved O2 (Virgin Media) to harness the 1800MHz band for similar D2D services, which recently enabled the mobile operator to launch their new O2 Satellite service – details here (i.e. harnessing SpaceX’s global Starlink network to support a satellite based 4G mobile data (broadband) connection to regular Smartphones). This made it possible for customers of O2’s service to stay connected in even some of the remotest areas, where mobile signals either fail to reach (“not spots“) or are less reliable.
At the same time Vodafone also have a similar Joint Venture (SatCo – Satellite Connect Europe) with AST SpaceMobile, which currently plans to kick off their first customer trials of a space-based 4G and 5G mobile service (mobile broadband, calls and text) – that can connect with regular Smartphones – this Summer 2026 (here). But before that they need to officially secure a licence variation to harness related spectrum in the 900MHz band, which is what today’s news is all about.
Ofcom Statement
Ofcom has today approved VodafoneThree’s request to use satellite technology to provide calls, texts and data to standard smartphones in the UK.
Specifically, we have approved a request from VodafoneThree to amend one of the spectrum licences it holds so it can provide cutting-edge ‘direct-to-device’ services.
This involves satellites in space beaming signals straight to smartphones, so they can make calls, send texts and connect to the internet when there is no coverage from mobile masts on the ground.
VodafoneThree is the second mobile operator in the UK to get the green light from Ofcom, after O2 launched its satellite service earlier this year.
As well as varying an operator’s licence, we must also amend our handset regulations – following public consultation – to reflect this variation.
We are therefore consulting on proposed changes to our regulations. Responses should be provided by 18th May 2026, shortly after which we plan to publish our decision.
AST has previously conducted technical trials of a prototype 1.5-ton BlueWalker 3 (here) satellite that orbits at an altitude of a little over 500km and features a huge 693-square-foot (64.4-square-meter) phased array antenna (here). The satellite was specifically designed for sending and receiving mobile signals between the space-based platform and regular mobile handsets – Direct-to-Device (DtD).
The company is now in the process of launching a total of 100 similar satellites (BlueBirds) over the next few years (future models are much larger – 3.5 times bigger – and more capable). AST already has about 6 active satellites in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and they’re aiming to reach 45–60 satellites launched by the end of 2026, which should be enough to deliver continuous coverage across the USA and select markets like the UK.
For its part, Vodafone have already demonstrated a live mobile-to-mobile video call via the new platform (here). But at present we still don’t know what kind of final service performance, features and prices we can expect from AST and Vodafone’s initial network, although it’s likely to be fairly limited at launch and competing with O2’s low pricing could also be a challenge.
