UK Government opens call to fund satellite connectivity in remote areas
Driving forward a trend in the satellite telecommunications industry, the UK Space Agency announced today a funding call of up to £3.5 million to test innovative hybrid connectivity solutions in some of the very hard to reach places in the UK. This call is part of part of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme.
In close collaboration with DSIT and the European Space Agency (ESA), the UKSA aim is to bridge the digital divide through three projects to deliver satellite services. One project will aim at providing gigabit-capable internet, with terminals on vehicles to improve connectivity in rural and remote locations for local authorities, farmers, emergency services, events and tourism.
Other two projects will launch hybrid networks in Shetland and Northern Ireland. The former comprehends a Site of Special Scientific Interest on one of the Shetland Islands, Papa Stour. While the latter refers to the Rathlin Island Service Demonstrator.
These deployments will aim at connecting these locations with no access to traditional networks. The Government envisions that these will support several sectors and local businesses, improving digital infrastructure to develop the economy and quality of life to remote populations.
These testbeds will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of connectivity by leveraging a combination of satellite technology and mobile networks. They aim to test innovative new services, using a portable nomadic multi-orbit user terminal that have the potential to transform connectivity for remote and rural communities.
Using signals from satellite in LEO and GEO, the project seeks to deliver reliable and fast communication system. The chosen locations have inconsistent network quality, depending on mainland mobile signals and different broadband coverage. Satellite terminals would offer wireless and mobile technologies, which would not be viable through submarine cables.
Beyond practical terms, satellite connectivity delivers on environmental objectives, minimising impact of extending coverage to remote areas, preserving the natural landscape. These projects dialogue directly with recent discussions held at techUK to address the potential of direct-to-device through network convergence.
By bringing satellite into existing mobile coverage, operators can extend their capability to remote and very hard to reach areas. More than delivering connectivity to individual handsets, which already expands commercial activity, IoT applications across agriculture, energy, emergency services, and other local businesses could promote significant impacts to the economy.
Next steps from techUK
With the shift toward D2D services, the complexities of spectrum allocation, and the rising focus on 5G NTN, the industry stands at the brink of a transformative era. As investment surges, collaboration between traditional MNOs, SNOs, and governments becomes ever more critical to unlocking adoption and deployment. The future of connectivity isn’t just about technological breakthroughs—it’s about building strong partnerships to deliver seamless, secure, and truly global coverage.
techUK is working with members to serve as a catalyst for bold initiatives that highlight the transformative impact of satellite technology across industries. Our next steps include crafting a compelling position paper that illustrates the vast potential of satellite telecommunications, coupled with actionable recommendations for the industry and government.
Event Round-up: Launching Network Convergence
The "Launching Network Convergence" event organized by techUK brought together key players in the satellite and terrestrial networks industry to discuss the future of ubiquitous connectivity, satellite integration, and the growing need for convergence between various network types.
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Contact the team
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Jaynesh has extensive experience in the sector, having worked for CityFibre (a full fibre broadband company) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on digital infrastructure policy. Most recently Jaynesh led on policy and public affairs in the UK and Ireland for ChargePoint (an EV charging network).
Prior to this Jaynesh worked in the Cabinet Office for more than five years, including over two years at the Government Digital Service (GDS) supporting the digital transformation of UK Government.
Jaynesh has a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayneshpatel/
Josh Turpin
Josh Turpin
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/
Matthew Wild
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2000
Tales Gaspar
Tales Gaspar
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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