The UK Government is proposing a £160m satellite scheme to boost broadband and 5G coverage nationwide.
The Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (CLEO) scheme funding would be available to UK companies developing innovative satellite technologies that increase broadband and 5G coverage in all areas of the UK.
The landmark initiative would be the UK’s largest investment in satellite technology, putting the country at the forefront of next-generation low Earth orbit satellites globally.
Increasing broadband and 5G coverage across the country will not only benefit the public significantly but will also create hundreds of skilled jobs, boost the economy, and support the ambitions of the reintroduced National Space Council, which aims to make the UK a global space superpower.
Speaking on the potential CLEO scheme, Michelle Donelan, the UK Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, said: “Tackling the digital divide is at the heart of empowering our citizens wherever they live, and by investing in the vital research and development that CLEO would facilitate, we can level up our country while growing the economy through high-quality jobs.
“This proposed record investment is also potentially a huge opportunity to harness our reputation as a world leader in innovation and R&D investment, supporting leading UK businesses to deliver the next generation of satellites and positioning the UK as a true space superpower.”
How will CLEO increase UK broadband and 5G coverage?
The CLEO scheme would be supported by £100m grant funding, with the government also exploring whether to provide an additional £60m via the European Space Agency’s (ESA) UK-backed Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme.
LEO satellites are crucial in boosting broadband and 5G coverage, as demonstrated in the war in Ukraine, where the technology has ensured continuous and reliable connectivity in the harshest of environments.
The scheme would support UK researchers and businesses in R&D activities to develop new LEO constellations – aiming to launch hundreds of satellites into space to safeguard broadband and 5G coverage.
Funded projects would include those creating smarter satellites with better hardware, using AI to accelerate data delivery, and projects connecting satellites for enhanced connection.
Harshbir Sangha, Missions and Capabilities Delivery Director at the UK Space Agency, commented: “Today’s announcement is a vital step towards the delivery of a key priority of the UK Space Agency – to maximise the potential of low Earth orbit and become a global leader in next-generation satellite communications technologies by building our ability to service future high-volume constellations.
“Our intent is to catalyse investment, build on existing capabilities and meet the challenges associated with seizing a significant share of a fast-moving global market by leveraging our growing national space programme and leading investments in commercial ESA programmes such as ARTES.”
UK projects will support the CLEO scheme
A range of UK projects will complement the CLEO scheme funding package. One such 5G integration project – the 5G testing facility at ESCAT in Harwell, Oxfordshire, is developing networks in underserved and rural areas.
Increasing broadband and 5G coverage in these regions will ensure all areas of the UK can access high-speed internet and connections and address the country’s major priority of improving future telecoms.
