The satellite sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological innovation, emerging services, and new spectrum demands. Yet, as the industry evolves, so too must the regulatory frameworks that govern it. Regulations are constantly shifting, licensing models are becoming more adaptive, and procedures increasingly open and interactive. In this environment, National Consultations have become essential forums for shaping regulation — and a strategic opportunity for operators to participate and stay ahead of the curve.
Why National Consultations Matter
National authorities ultimately determine how to grant market access and assign spectrum for satellite-based services within their territories. In the absence of a universal model for licensing, consultations have emerged as an important mechanism for aligning domestic regulation with both innovation and international best practices.
Also known as calls for input or public consultations, these National Consultations are typically posted on regulators' websites. They outline proposed changes to policies or licensing rules and invite feedback from interested parties. Whether reviewing entire satellite frameworks, or targeting specific areas like Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, consultations offer stakeholders a structured platform on which to engage with regulators.
Participation allows stakeholders not only to gain insight into impending changes, or new regulations that may impact their operational and commercial planning, but also to participate in the rule-making process and advocate for favourable conditions.
From Compliance to Engagement
Increasingly, success in global licensing depends not just on identifying and following existing rules, but on influencing their future development. As illustrated by the national examples below, the regulatory environment is changing — what applies today in one country can easily change in several months’ time. This makes long-term regulatory engagement, agility and dedicated expertise, crucial components of any market access strategy.
Stakeholders must monitor developments closely and act accordingly, well before deployment. Effective engagement can pre-empt regulatory risks, strengthen relations with decision-makers, and improve competitive positioning —especially in key markets, where decisions can often set the tone for wider regional trends.
"...Increasingly, success in global licensing depends not just on identifying and following existing rules, but on influencing their future development..."
Global Examples: Consultations Driving Change
In the past year, multiple national consultations have demonstrated how regulations are evolving and how vital early engagement has become:
- Following extensive consultation during 2024, involving 30 stakeholders, in May of this year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued “Terms and Conditions for the Assignment of Spectrum for Certain Satellite-Based Commercial Communication Services”. This cemented new spectrum fees (based on Adjusted Gross Revenue) and assignment procedures for satellite services in the country, following months of counter-comments, deadline extensions and an “open house” discussion.
- The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) earlier framework for D2D in the mobile frequency bands led to similar initiatives in Canada, Australia, UK. In May, the UK Ofcom consulted on “Enabling satellite direct to device services in Mobile spectrum bands,” exploring models for authorising D2D in spectrum already licensed to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). A final decision is expected by Q4 2025. Separately, Ofcom will also decide on opening the “Q/V-band” frequency ranges for satellite Gateways, after an upcoming consultation.
- • In Africa, Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia undertook major consultations to reform their satellite licensing frameworks, show-casing the continent’s growing focus on satellite connectivity. In Kenya, the Communications Authority’s “Review Of The Telecommunications Market Structure” proposed a tenfold increase in satellite operator fees – potentially with major impact on foreign operators. In Côte d’Ivoire, the Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications (ARTCI) launched a consultation on broader strategic objectives, including conditions for operators of non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) networks in the country.
- In Saudi Arabia The Communications Space and Technology Commission (CST) received over 60 responses to its “Spectrum Outlook” consultation in 2024, with many highlighting the importance of satellite “non-terrestrial network” (NTN) services. In the UAE, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), followed with its own spectrum roadmap in March 2025, incorporating satellite alongside advanced mobile technologies. In May, the Telecoms Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman consulted on spectrum pricing and rules for satellite services under “the Draft Regulation Organizing Radio Licenses”.
- Brazil, Thailand and the Cayman Islands also consulted on new regulations for satellite broadband, IoT and other areas. In June, the Brazilian Agência Nacional de Telecomuniçaôes (Anatel) consulted to align its framework with WRC-23 decisions facilitating satellite broadband via Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM), among others.
- Australia is in the process of conducting a Five-Year Spectrum Outlook Review 2024-29. This review covers all frequency bands and also other aspects, such as pricing. Many comments have already been submitted but the Australian Communications and Media Authority (acma) “continues to encourage all parties to engage in our consultation processes to foster discussion of licensing and allocation of particular spectrum bands.”
- Opportunities and Challenges
While consultations provide a pathway for regulatory engagement, they also present logistical hurdles. Responding to consultations across multiple jurisdictions and overlapping deadlines is resource-intensive, often to the disadvantage of newer and/or smaller operators.
The volume of technical, regulatory, and economic material often demands careful analysis and advocacy. Wider consultations that include information and communications technology (ICT), telecoms and spectrum planning, often obscure the satellite-specific issues, requiring expertise to identify relevant points of engagement. Yet, the potential rewards are high: early engagement can help shape favourable policies, reduce future regulatory and financial burdens, and raise profile among local regulators and stakeholders.
Successful engagement depends on monitoring regulatory updates in every country that an operator provides or is intending to provide service. In many cases, time is of the essence. For example, in May, the US FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) on ways to use the 12.7 – 13.25 GHz band and the 42.0 - 42.25 GHz band. Comments are due by June 27th, just 30 days after publication of the FNPRM. This short timescale, while not unusual in the US and elsewhere, clearly indicates the need for both established and potential operators to keep abreast of issues that may impact their proposed or existing services. Given the importance and scale of this task, stakeholders without dedicated staff increasingly turn to specialist organisations in this field.
Looking Ahead
2025 is already another year of regulatory evolution for satellite services at national levels. From D2D services to broadband access, from IoT delivery to major spectrum allocations, the pace of change shows no sign of slowing. Regulators will continue seeking input from industry to deliver robust frameworks for the future, as the market grows and satellite becomes more intertwined with terrestrial platforms.
Against this landscape, aspiring innovators can no longer afford to be passive observers. Ascertaining the existing rules is no longer enough and often doesn’t provide an answer. Strategic engagement and forward-planning is becoming a cornerstone of effective global licensing and market access programmes. The ability to anticipate change and opportunities impacting technical and commercial objectives should be an essential part of any operator’s regulatory strategy.
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Matthew Evans is Head of Global Licensing and Market Access at River Advisers, a leading consultancy in space, satellite, and telecom regulatory affairs. Matthew has multiple years' regulatory experience dealing with next-generation NGSO and GSO satellite technologies, from 5G NTN, D2D and IoT, to broadband internet, navigation, and remote sensing. He supports clients on global market access strategy, navigating local frameworks, regulatory approvals and compliance to enable successful commercialization and testing. He can be reached at: mevans@riveradvisers.com