Like Wi-Fi Brand Bands...
...strict licensing standards for hardware makers should mollify spectrum neighbors.
The free public bands are the most profitable to a government due to increased productivity and taxes on gear.
Ofcom has proposed removing licence requirements from a handful of frequency bands, releasing microwave links and short-range radios, not to mention personal locator beacons, from the licensing burden. The proposals (45-page PDF/253KB, very dull indeed) follow a consultation published back in April to remove licence …
Sky, and Freesat, broadcast in the 10 GHz - 12.75 GHz range. Uplink to the satellites is in 14 - 18 GHz. These bands will remain regulated with licensing required.
Sky did not respond to the consultation.
Inmarsat were concerned about licence-exemption at 2 GHz. Intelsat were concerned about C-band fixed satellite service: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/consultations/licence-exemption/responses/Intelsat_response.pdf .