Portugal Approves Spectrum for Satellite IoT and Space Operations

The Portuguese telecoms regulator ANACOM has announced the approval new spectrum arrangements for satellite IoT and space operations services, opening the 401–402MHz band to additional Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth applications.

The decision makes 401–402MHz available for Earth Exploration-Satellite Service uplinks and Space Operation Service downlinks. ANACOM will also extend its station-licence exemption regime to cover fixed and mobile EESS terminals operating in 401–403MHz, as well as SOS receiving earth stations in 401–402MHz.

The move is particularly relevant for low-power satellite IoT services. French operator Kinéis had requested permission to operate satellite data-collection services in Portugal using the 401–403MHz range, supporting applications such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, wildlife tracking, oceanographic buoys and meteorological stations.

By allowing qualifying terminals to operate without individual station licences, ANACOM is reducing a key barrier to scaling satellite IoT deployments. This is important for services built around large numbers of low-cost, battery-powered devices that transmit small amounts of data intermittently.

The regulator concluded that harmful interference risks are low, given the technical characteristics of the systems involved. Kinéis terminals use low power, narrow bandwidths and very low duty cycles, with transmissions occurring only briefly during satellite passes.

ANACOM’s decision also supports Spire Global UK, which sought changes to existing Portuguese earth-station licences for satellite tracking, telemetry and control. Receiving earth stations used for space operations in the 401–402MHz band will now also be covered by a licence-exemption framework, operating on a non-protection basis.