Report: Optical Wireless Communications Roadmap - Recommendations for enabling a network of networks from space
Today marks the launch of techUK’s Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) Roadmap, a pivotal document outlining how the UK can seize leadership in next-generation space-based connectivity. As global demand for secure, high-capacity communications accelerates, optical wireless technologies promise to complement and surpass traditional radiofrequency (RF) systems, offering transformative benefits for resilience, security, and scalability.
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OWC leverages light-based communication to deliver ultra-high data rates, inherent security, and reduced interference—capabilities that are increasingly critical as RF spectrum congestion intensifies. This technology underpins the concept of “fibre-in-the-sky,” enabling satellite networks to replicate the performance of terrestrial fibre optics. With the Free Space Optical (FSO) market projected to more than double by 2030, the UK faces a strategic opportunity to lead in a sector forecasted for explosive growth.
The roadmap highlights the UK’s strong foundation: a world-class photonics industry, advanced quantum research programmes, expertise in small satellites, and a vibrant innovation ecosystem. These assets position the UK to shape international standards, develop sovereign capabilities, and integrate optical and RF systems into robust hybrid networks. However, the report warns that without decisive action, the UK risks falling behind major players such as the US, Germany, and China, who are investing heavily in optical satellite communications.
Core Recommendations
The roadmap sets out a four-pillar strategy to secure UK leadership:
Standardisation
To establish global leadership in optical wireless communications, the UK must prioritise standardisation by developing UK-led open architectures and common interfaces that ensure interoperability across international systems. A key step is the creation of an Optical Communications Task Force within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which will serve as a bridge between industry and government to accelerate mission deployment and foster collaboration. Closing capability gaps through the rapid development of critical subsystems is essential to enable end-to-end integration and position UK technologies as competitive on the global stage.
Market Segmentation
The roadmap calls for a targeted approach to market segmentation, focusing on high-value areas where the UK can achieve global leadership, such as dual-use terrestrial-space technologies. Building a robust UK-based value chain that includes operators, prime contractors, component manufacturers, and end-users will be vital to creating a sustainable ecosystem. Additionally, launching a UK Plc value proposition will stimulate cross-sector demand for optical technologies, showcasing national strengths and driving adoption both domestically and internationally.
Interconnectivity
Interconnectivity is central to the roadmap’s vision of a resilient and future-proof communications infrastructure. This requires promoting open-access testbeds aligned with international specifications to validate optical systems and encourage collaboration between academia and industry. Investment in hybrid optical-RF networks will ensure flexibility and robustness, while alignment with the National Quantum Technologies Programme will integrate quantum capabilities into the UK’s connectivity ecosystem, paving the way for next-generation secure communications.
Resilience
Building resilience into the UK’s communications infrastructure is a strategic imperative. Optical technologies should be applied across defence, telecommunications, and critical national infrastructure (CNI) to provide redundancy and enhance security. To support this, the UK must develop a strong skills pipeline in photonics, quantum, and secure communications through partnerships between academia and industry. These efforts will ensure the UK has the talent and technological capability to maintain leadership in an increasingly competitive global market.
Case Studies Driving Innovation
The roadmap features compelling case studies that illustrate the transformative potential of optical wireless communications from space.
HydRON Programme (CGI): Branded as “Fibre in the Sky,” HydRON aims to deliver terabit-per-second throughput via multi-orbit optical transport networks, integrating seamlessly with terrestrial fibre systems.
Ground infrastructure (Archangel Lightworks): Highlights the role of optical ground stations in providing rapid-deploy alternatives to vulnerable submarine cables, strengthening global connectivity resilience.
Academic developments (FTH): Showcases research into hybrid optical-RF architectures, underwater optical links, and quantum key distribution for secure communications.
ALIGN Mission (Telespazio and Northumbria University): Demonstrates autonomous intersatellite laser links for small satellites, enabling gigabit data rates and paving the way for mega-constellation connectivity.
Strategic imperatives for the next-generation of connectivity
To achieve first-generation commercial deployments by 2030, the UK must accelerate technology readiness levels (TRLs), roll out demonstrator missions, and unlock funding for SMEs and scale-ups. Collaboration with international partners—such as ESA, Five Eyes, and NATO—is essential to ensure UK-developed solutions integrate into global constellations. The roadmap also calls for proactive engagement in international standards bodies to avoid exclusion from closed sovereign ecosystems.
The launch of this roadmap signals a bold vision: by 2030, the UK aims to deliver operational optical ground stations and satellite systems, enabling secure, high-capacity connectivity for defence, enterprise, and government applications. Second-generation deployments from 2035 onward will build on this foundation, incorporating quantum-enabled communications and advanced photonic technologies.
In an era where connectivity underpins economic growth, national security, and societal resilience, optical wireless communications represent more than a technological upgrade—they are a strategic necessity. With coordinated investment, policy support, and industry collaboration, the UK can lead the global race toward a future where “fibre-in-the-sky” becomes a reality.
techUK brings together government, the regulator, telecom companies and stakeholders to help the UK maximise the benefits of adopting advanced communications services. We ensure our members have a clear understanding of market developments, customer requirements, and government priorities. Visit the programme page here.
how the UK can seize leadership in next-generation space-based connectivity. As global demand for secure, high-capacity communications accelerates, optical wireless technologies promise to surpass traditional systems, offering transformative benefits for resilience, security, and scalability.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
