Satellite communications can provide connectivity in areas where mobile networks or fibre infrastructure are unavailable. They play an important role in emergency communications, maritime, aviation and land transport, information technology, and new wireless solutions.The Electronic Communications Office is responsible for the administration and supervision of satellite services in Iceland. This includes the registration of operators, frequency authorisations, processing applications for earth stations, and cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Who Needs to Register?

Any entity planning to provide satellite services in Iceland must register with the Electronic Communications Office before commencing operations. This applies to:

• international companies operating satellite systems,

• service providers offering satellite services in Iceland, and

• operators of earth stations connected to satellites.

Frequencies for Satellite Services

The frequency bands used for communications between Earth and satellites are listed in Iceland's National Table of Frequency Allocations (NTFA). European decisions, such as ECC Decisions on frequency use, are incorporated into the national allocation table.Before using a specific frequency band, an operator must ensure that:

• its use is permitted under the NTFA,

• it complies with international regulations, and

• the equipment does not cause interference to other systems.

Registration of Satellite Frequencies with the ITU

The Electronic Communications Office is responsible for registering frequencies used by satellite operators with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The assessment and approval of such registrations are governed by:

• the

  Radio Regulations (RR)

  ,

• the procedures of

  ITU-R

  , and

• Icelandic regulations on the registration of satellite frequencies (Regulation No. 305/2019).

Conditions

• The applicant must be a company registered in Iceland.

• A company may have its headquarters in another country, provided the relevant requirements are met.

Earth Stations

The operation of satellite earth stations, whether small or large, requires a licence under Icelandic electronic communications legislation. To operate an earth station, the operator must:

• notify the Electronic Communications Office of the planned electronic communications activity under a general authorisation,

• submit an application,

• obtain a licence before operations begin, and

• pay the annual earth station operating fee (ISK 25,100 under current legislation).

An application must include:

• technical specifications,

• location details, and

• information on the use of frequencies.

To apply, please fill out this pdf and send it to ECOI

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Systems

Recent developments in satellite technology include Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks such as Starlink and similar systems. These systems can:

• provide internet connectivity in remote areas,

• offer connectivity where fibre or 4G/5G services are unavailable, and

• support new types of mobile communication services in the future.

The Electronic Communications Office encourages users to review the services offered by providers and ensure that equipment is approved and complies with applicable regulations.