UK releases guidance and consultations to enhance the UK's Digital Infrastructure

The UK government continues to emphasize the importance of secure and resilient telecoms supply chains, recognizing their critical role in economic growth and national security. By driving innovation and reducing market concentration risks, the government aims to create a more competitive and sustainable telecoms landscape. 

To support this vision, the Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Advisory Council was established to provide strategic guidance on diversification policies. The Council’s recent report reviews evidence on supplier dependencies and proposes recommendations to mitigate risks associated with reliance on a limited number of telecoms providers. 

• Managing Near-Term Risks (Next 3 Years): Implementing proportionate measures to address immediate vulnerabilities in telecoms supply chains. 

• Advancing Openness and Interoperability (Next 5 Years): Encouraging market and technology trends that promote greater openness and interoperability within the telecoms sector. 

• Expanding Industrial Capacity (Next 10 Years): Preventing future issues by investing in the UK's industrial capacity across advanced connectivity technologies. 

The government’s response outlines a phased approach to diversification. In the near term, efforts will focus on managing risks through collaboration with mobile network operators (MNOs), strengthening security testing, and improving contingency planning. Over the medium term, the strategy will support market trends toward openness and interoperability, encourage multi-vendor solutions, and invest in research and development (R&D). For the long term, the government plans to expand the UK’s industrial capacity in advanced connectivity technologies, ensuring a sustainable and competitive ecosystem. 

Additionally, the response highlights several cross-cutting measures, including international collaboration, strengthening industry standards, and investing in workforce skills. Key commitments include strengthening partnerships with MNOs, investing in R&D to support innovation, and working with industry stakeholders to enhance security and resilience across telecoms supply chains. 

Through these initiatives, the government aims to create a dynamic telecoms sector that leverages UK innovation while fostering a more secure and diverse supply chain. 

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has emphasized the critical importance of PNT services, which underpin various sectors including transport, telecommunications, and emergency services. Recognizing the UK's reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), primarily the US-operated GPS, the government has introduced a framework to improve PNT resilience. 

The UK depends heavily on GNSS for essential services and infrastructure. PNT systems are vital for transport networks, ensuring accurate navigation and synchronization across roads, railways, aviation, and maritime sectors. They also play a critical role in telecommunications, emergency services, financial transactions, and energy distribution. The economic impact of GNSS in the UK is significant, contributing an estimated £13.62 billion annually. However, a loss of GNSS for just seven days could result in economic damage exceeding £7.64 billion, highlighting the urgency of strengthening PNT resilience. 

Despite its importance, PNT is vulnerable to a range of threats. Severe space weather, such as solar storms, can disrupt GNSS signals. Technical failures and cyberattacks pose additional risks, as do potential physical attacks on ground-based infrastructure. Given these threats, ensuring a robust and diversified PNT ecosystem is essential for national security and economic stability. 

To address these challenges, the UK government has introduced a comprehensive framework to enhance PNT resilience. A National PNT Office has been established to oversee initiatives aimed at strengthening the UK's PNT capabilities. A PNT Crisis Plan has been developed as a cross-government strategy to respond effectively to GNSS disruptions. 

Several proposals have been put forward to enhance resilience. The National Timing Centre aims to provide a high-quality, resilient timing service to support critical infrastructure. The government is also considering eLORAN, a backup terrestrial-based positioning and navigation system that could serve as an alternative to GNSS. Infrastructure resilience measures include the rollout of advanced GNSS receiver chips and holdover clocks to reduce the impact of GNSS outages. 

Additionally, a UK Satellite-Based Augmentation System (UK SBAS) is being proposed to deliver precise point positioning capabilities. The government is also exploring ways to develop PNT skills through potential Centres for Doctoral Training focused on timing and navigation. Growth policies will further support PNT innovation, including dedicated R&D programs. Looking ahead, the government is investing in Next Generation PNT solutions, including the UK Quantum Navigator and the potential development of a sovereign regional satellite system. 

To ensure businesses are prepared for PNT disruptions, the government has introduced Resilient PNT Principles. These guidelines provide a structured approach for businesses to assess their reliance on PNT services and implement mitigation strategies. A detailed checklist has been developed to help organizations identify vulnerabilities and adopt best practices for ensuring operational continuity in the event of GNSS disruptions. 

Through these initiatives, the UK is taking proactive steps to enhance its PNT resilience, ensuring that businesses, infrastructure, and essential services remain protected against potential risks. 

Ofcom has proposed updates to its procedures for managing satellite filings, reflecting changes in international regulations and industry practices. These updates are designed to streamline the filing process, ensuring that satellite operators can navigate regulatory requirements more efficiently. By consulting with stakeholders, Ofcom seeks to maintain the UK's position at the forefront of satellite communications while adapting to the evolving space industry landscape. ​  

Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate the UK's commitment to fostering a secure, resilient, and innovative digital infrastructure, capable of supporting the nation's economic growth and technological advancement in the years to come.​ 

In brief, Ofcom is proposing to update the Procedures to include changes to the international rules agreed at the 2019 and 2023 World Radiocommunication Conferences, introducing: 

• Requirement to state if a satellite has been used for bringing into use purposes in the last 3 years; 

• Requirement to meet non-GSO deployment milestones; 

• Requirement to submit EPFD Masks; 

• Requirement to state if a satellite has deviated from the notified orbit; 

• Post-milestone reporting procedure for non-GSO systems. 

Additionally, Ofcom is proposing other updates to provide clarity on existing processes without making substantive changes to its approach. One key update involves clarifying how Ofcom interacts with the Government in fulfilling its satellite filing roles. This ensures a more transparent and coordinated approach to managing satellite applications. 

Another proposed update focuses on refining procedures for leasing satellites for bringing into use purposes. This aims to streamline the process and provide clearer guidance for operators. Additionally, Ofcom is encouraging all applicants to follow best practice guidelines for space sustainability, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to responsible satellite operations. 

Ofcom is also working to explain how applications for filings under Regulation No. 4.4 of the Radio Regulations are managed. Furthermore, additional process steps are being introduced for applications related to UK2.1 frequencies, ensuring consistency in regulatory compliance. 

Finally, Ofcom is making minor editorial updates to reflect changes in the space environment since the last revision of its Procedures. These updates help keep the regulatory framework aligned with the evolving needs of the industry. 

Responses can be submitted via the consultation response form by 5pm on 23 May 2025. Members who would like to provide feedback on these proposed updates are encouraged to reach out to us. 

The UK Space Agency has launched the second funding competition under the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP Call 2), offering £17 million in grant funding to support businesses, universities, and other organisations in developing and commercialising cutting-edge space technologies. 

NSIP provides co-funded grants to support high-impact projects with clear market potential. Funding is available through two main categories: 

• Kick Starter Grants: Between £150,000 and £1 million for early-stage innovations (TRL 1-4). 

• Major Projects: Between £150,000 and £2 million for commercialisation efforts (TRL 5-9). 

Up to 30% of the budget will be allocated to projects under the theme "Space Data for Earth Applications", highlighting the role of space technology in tackling real-world challenges, including PNT-based services. 

The programme aims to catalyse investment, drive innovation, and help UK organisations capture a larger share of the global space market. To be eligible, projects must be UK-based and led by UK organisations, though international collaboration is permitted if foreign partners provide their own funding. 

• Expression of Interest: Due by 23 April 2025. 

• Outline Proposal Submission: Due by 8 May 2025. 

• Full Proposal Submission: Invited applicants must submit by 23 July 2025. 

• Project Start Date: By 10 November 2025, concluding by 31 March 2027. 

The selection process includes a two-stage assessment with external reviewers and due diligence checks to ensure projects meet funding criteria. 

For full details, applicants can refer to the NSIP Call 2 guidance documents and the Announcement of Opportunity. This funding initiative reflects the UK’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in the space sector, ensuring that homegrown technologies contribute to both economic growth and societal benefits.