Holmes Mackillop director welcomes Ofcom decision to enable smartphones to receive signal from space
Holmes Mackillop director and Head of Corporate Ralph Riddiough has welcomed Ofcom’s (Office of Communications) decision to enable standard smartphones to receive signal from space.
Mobile operators are now joining with satellite companies to deliver D2D (direct-to-device) services to everyday smartphones throughout the UK. This involves satellites hundreds of miles above Earth beaming down signals to smartphones, so they can make calls, send texts and use data in ‘not-spots’ where there’s no mobile coverage.
Riddiough said: “This is a crucial step towards mobile network operators being able to offer D2D satellite connectivity for mobile handsets, which is a huge development in mobile phone technology.
“It is good news for consumers, mobile network operators and the satellite market alike. It will be interesting to see which MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) come forward first, to seek a variation to their Wireless Telegraphy licence to exempt mobile handsets from licensing when connecting to a D2D service.
“Some D2D capabilities for emergency services are already available but a wider commercial launch is now in sight. Improved connectivity can only help to boost economic growth, and this new technology will be particularly welcome in rural areas.”
Ofcom has decided to allow mobile companies and satellite operators to join forces and use airwaves known as mobile spectrum, subject to certain technical conditions. Any mobile network operator that intends to provide direct-to-device services will need to request a change to its Ofcom licence.
Ofcom has confirmed that no licence will be needed by ordinary smartphone users to get a signal from space.
ENDS
For further information please contact on Ralph Riddiough on tel 0141 226 4942