BRITS could have 4G and 5G beamed to their smartphones from space in new plans drafted by the UK’s telecoms regulator.
Ofcom has proposed phone companies team up with satellite-broadband providers like Elon Musk’s Starlink to improve their mobile data coverage.
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It would make the UK the “first country in Europe” to authorise Direct to Device (D2D) satellite services for use in regular mobile bands, according to David Willis, Ofcom’s spectrum group director.
It would also secure coverage in patchy rural areas and around coastal waters.
It may also act as a backup in the case of network outages.
Satellite-based communication is becoming increasingly common in smartphones.
Starlink already offers a ‘direct to cell’ service to customers.
Newer iPhones, like the iPhone 14 and later, can also use satellite texting – usually for emergencies.
The technology has existed for some time.
The reason why capabilities are only just rolling out to handsets is because the licences held by UK mobile operators to provide communications services do not currently authorise transmissions from space.
Though Ofcom is taking steps to change that with its recent proposal.
However, there is some concern that it could increase the risk of interference between satellite and ground-level infrastructure.
“For years, we’ve seen satellite calls in disaster movies on special handsets,” Willis said in a statement.
“We’re now on the cusp of people being able to make them on their everyday smartphones.”
Willis said the move would “unlock investment” for rural areas that don’t have mobile data access – also known as ‘not spots’.
The regulator is set to consult on the proposals until late May, and could begin approving D2D services later this year.
One of the first D2D service providers could be Vodafone, which already has plans to launch its own satellite communication service.
EE has also been mulling over a similar satellite communications option, according to ISPreview.
Goodbye 3G, hello 5G
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It’s the end of an era.
3G brought significantly faster mobile internet speeds enabling millions to do things like watching YouTube videos without needing a Wi-Fi connection.
But nothing lasts forever, and 3G has been overtaken by 4G and 5G too.
There will be concerns that vulnerable people could be left behind by the move.
Fortunately, the mobile networks have led schemes to upgrade people.
So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.
