Minister On Earth Stations Licensing Framework
Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne provided an update on the progress being made to “establish a modern, proportionate, and investment-ready framework for the licensing of earth stations in Bermuda.”
Speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday [June 26], the Minister said, “Bermuda is increasingly considered as a potential jurisdiction for satellite services and infrastructure. As a small but sophisticated jurisdiction, we must prepare with discipline.
“Bermuda must prepare now, with a framework that is clear for operators, transparent for stakeholders, and aligned with international obligations.
“The proposed framework for the licensing of earth stations is the final stage of policy development under Bermuda’s National Space Strategy. It positions the island to compete for satellite investment and to host satellite infrastructure on clear terms.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to update this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda on the progress being made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Department of Energy, to establish a modern, proportionate, and investment-ready framework for the licensing of earth stations in Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker,
Satellite communications are expanding rapidly around the world, driven by the growth of low earth orbit satellite networks, rising demand for broadband connectivity, and new commercial and governmental space activities.
Systems such as Starlink and other low earth orbit satellite networks are changing the way connectivity is delivered. They are creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, governments, vessels, aircraft, and jurisdictions that are prepared to support responsible satellite services and related infrastructure.
Bermuda is increasingly considered as a potential jurisdiction for satellite services and infrastructure. As a small but sophisticated jurisdiction, we must prepare with discipline.
Mr. Speaker,
Bermuda must prepare now, with a framework that is clear for operators, transparent for stakeholders, and aligned with international obligations.
The proposed framework for the licensing of earth stations is the final stage of policy development under Bermuda’s National Space Strategy. It positions the island to compete for satellite investment and to host satellite infrastructure on clear terms.
Mr. Speaker,
Earth stations play a critical role in satellite communications. They provide the ground-based infrastructure that enables the transmission and reception of signals between satellites and terrestrial networks.
This infrastructure can include fixed gateway and tracking facilities, such as those associated with space related operations at Cooper’s Island in St. David’s; user terminals, such as satellite dishes and end-user equipment that connect a person or business to a satellite network; and earth stations in motion operating on aircraft and vessels.
Bermuda’s existing legislation provides a strong foundation for electronic communications licensing and spectrum management. That foundation includes the Telecommunications Act 1986, the Regulatory Authority Act 2011, the Electronic Communications Act 2011, and the Personal Information Protection Act 2016. No dedicated policy framework yet addresses the licensing and operation of earth stations.
That policy gap must be addressed if Bermuda is to provide the clarity, certainty, and confidence required to support responsible growth in this sector.
Mr. Speaker,
To address this matter, the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Department of Energy, has developed a proposed National Earth Stations Licensing Framework.
The proposed regulatory framework will sit within the remit of the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda, which has responsibility for the regulation of Bermuda’s electronic communications sector, including communications services, spectrum management, equipment certification, and compliance oversight.
The Ministry sets the policy direction. The Regulatory Authority gives it effect through the appropriate licensing, authorisation, and compliance arrangements within its statutory mandate.
A clear licensing framework gives certainty to operators, transparency for stakeholders, and confidence for investors. It ensures that earth station activity is properly assessed and regulated against Bermuda’s economic, security, and public interest considerations.
Mr. Speaker,
The proposed framework recognizes that satellite communications in Bermuda will require appropriate authorization across three key areas. First, the licensing of commercial satellite services, including low earth orbit offerings such as Starlink and similar services. Second, the approval of earth station infrastructure, based on the scale of the facility, its operational purpose, and the level of interference risk. Third, the authorization of spectrum use, to ensure that radio frequencies are managed efficiently and that other communications services are properly protected.
This approach is proportionate and risk-based. Not all earth stations are the same. A gateway facility, a tracking station, a user terminal, and an earth station in motion each present different technical and operational considerations.
For that reason, the proposed framework sets a two-tier licensing structure. Standardised user terminals fall under blanket authorisations. More complex infrastructure, such as teleports and tracking facilities, requires individual licences with separate assessment and coordination.
Mr. Speaker,
The framework also sets technical, security, and compliance principles. These include network integrity, cybersecurity, data protection, interference management, reporting, inspections, and ongoing compliance with licence conditions.
It also proposes a proportionate approach to earth stations in motion, such as those operating on aircraft and vessels. This includes recognizing foreign licensing where appropriate, while ensuring that Bermuda maintains the necessary regulatory oversight to protect its national interests, public safety, spectrum environment, and international obligations.
Mr. Speaker,
Public consultation on the Proposed Regulatory Framework for the Licensing of Earth Stations closed on 19 June 2026.
The consultation sought feedback on the licensing architecture, the spectrum authorisation approach, the treatment of earth stations in motion, compliance obligations, and spectrum charging.
Members of the public and key stakeholders such as local telecommunications operators, international satellite and space industry participants submitted feedback during the consultation period which concentrated on licensing processes, spectrum management, investment readiness, cybersecurity, health and safety, and Bermuda’s opportunity to position itself within the global satellite and space economy. The Ministry values that engagement. These submissions will help make the final Policy technically sound and workable for Bermuda’s needs.
Mr. Speaker,
One key theme that stood out was that Operators want Bermuda to be investment ready, with a clear pathway from first engagement through technical assessment, licensing, and ongoing oversight.
The objective reaches past the licensing decision. Satellite activity in Bermuda should build a durable space ecosystem that creates opportunities for innovation, investment, and economic growth for Bermudians.
Mr. Speaker,
The Department of Energy is currently reviewing the comments and recommendations received.
Further consultation will continue with key stakeholders as the Ministry moves toward finalisation of the Policy.
Mr. Speaker,
Alongside the public consultation, the Ministry has engaged directly with public sector partners whose responsibilities intersect with satellite communications and earth station operations.
The Department has consulted directly with the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda and the Bermuda Airport Authority, and these discussions will continue as the Policy is refined and finalized. This ongoing collaboration is intended to ensure that the proposed framework is aligned with international best practices, operational requirements, safety considerations, and Bermuda’s broader strategic objectives.
The Ministry also recognizes the importance of Bermuda’s maritime sector and will extend this engagement to the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority. Given the increasing use of satellite communications and earth stations on vessels and other maritime operations, this dialogue will help ensure that the final framework appropriately reflects maritime considerations and supports a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to regulating emerging technologies.
Mr. Speaker
Following the review of submissions, the Government, in consultation with the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda, will prepare a Statement of Results that will identify the key issues raised, outline any refinements to the proposed framework, and confirm the next steps toward implementation.
Once the Policy has been finalized, it is my intention to provide the appropriate policy direction, in accordance with the applicable legislation, to support the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda in establishing the necessary licensing, authorization, compliance, and oversight arrangements for earth stations.
Mr. Speaker,
This work advances Bermuda’s National Space Strategy.
Bermuda already has internationally recognized strengths in regulation, insurance, risk management, financial services, compliance, and global business. By developing a clear and credible framework for earth station licensing, we are building on those strengths and extending them into the satellite, communications, and space economy.
The framework supports investment in satellite infrastructure and services, improves connectivity for residents and businesses, and strengthens Bermuda’s management of spectrum. It also aligns Bermuda with its international telecommunications obligations and supports national security and resilience.
Mr. Speaker,
This initiative positions Bermuda as a credible jurisdiction for digital, communications, and space-related activity, including satellite broadband through low earth orbit systems, gateway and tracking infrastructure, and collaboration with international space agencies and responsible industry partners.
Bermuda will compete by preparing before operators arrive. The two-tier licensing structure, the spectrum rules, and the cybersecurity obligations give operators clear terms now. Readiness is the advantage a small jurisdiction can offer.
Mr. Speaker,
The licensing of earth stations is one part of a larger plan to keep Bermuda connected and prepared for the industries that will shape the global economy.
Mr. Speaker,
In closing, I thank the members of the public, the industry participants, and our public sector partners, including the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda and the Bermuda Airport Authority, who engaged during the consultation. The Ministry looks forward to engaging the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority as the work progresses.
Lastly, a summary of the responses received from the consultation process will be published, and thereafter a finalised Policy and the supporting policy direction will be presented before this House.
I look forward to updating this Honourable House as this important work progresses.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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