UK SPF Invitation to Tender: Sharing between satellites and terrestrial mobile networks in the future

The Forum's open calls for commissioned research are a fantastic opportunity to work with us and explore potential frameworks that advance spectrum policy debates. This year, the UK SPF is commissioning a study to support the growing interest in Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services and their integration with terrestrial mobile networks. This work will contribute to the UK’s preparations for WRC-27 and inform future regulatory and technical frameworks for spectrum sharing.

Sharing Between Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

This research study will explore how D2D satellite services can operate in mobile (IMT) and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) bands, and how these services can coexist with terrestrial mobile networks. It will assess the business case, technical architecture, regulatory challenges, and commercial models for enabling D2D connectivity in the UK.

Key Dates

• ITT issued: 23 June 2025
• Deadline for clarification of questions: 02 July 2025
• Deadline to submit your tender: 07 July 2025

Additional Information

The focus of this study is on the coexistence and interworking of satellite and terrestrial mobile networks, particularly in the context of future spectrum bands that could be used to enhance service offering. The study will examine:

• Use cases and commercial opportunities for D2D services
• Interworking architectures and spectrum sharing models
• Regulatory and technical barriers to deployment
• Global benchmarks and lessons from international trials
• Billing systems and roaming agreements in satellite environments

This research will not seek to replace existing regulatory frameworks but will build on current Ofcom consultations and international preparations for WRC-27. It will also consider how emerging technologies such as LEO/MEO satellites and HAPS can support future D2D services.

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Contact us

Sophie Greaves

Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK

Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees 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.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

020 7331 2038

Twitter:

@SJMJames1

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/

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Tales Gaspar

Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK

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.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

+44 (0) 0207 331 2000

Website:

www.techUK.org

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar

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