UK regulator Ofcom has approved a framework that clears the path for the UK's telcos and satellite operators to combine to offer Direct to Device (D2D) services.

Following a series of consultations, Ofcom finalized details on updating operator licenses this week as the regulator seeks to roll out the technology across the UK, connecting some of the harder-to-reach areas.

As such, Ofcom has approved mobile and satellite operators to use mobile spectrum bands below 3GHz to provide D2D connectivity.

The regulator noted that it had implemented a condition requiring protection for 2.7 – 3.1 GHz radars, to be included in any 2.6 GHz license D2D schedules.

"D2D providers will be required to ensure that the aggregate out-of-band noise falling in the 2.7 – 3.1 GHz band from both space and terrestrial mobile services does not exceed the out-of-band noise threshold as set out in the coordination procedure," stated Ofcom, which has allowed D2D to operate in existing mobile bands to bolster 4G and 5G services.

The decision published by Ofcom also included rules to avoid interference with air traffic control systems and mobile networks outside of the country.

According to Ofcom, the decisions will also provide enhanced resilience and access to the UK's emergency services.

The next step for the UK's mobile network operators will involve applying for license variations. Once these are signed off, they will be able to launch D2D services.

Ofcom claims that the UK will become the first Western European country to offer D2D services. So far in Europe, the technology has only been rolled out widely by Ukrainian telco Kyivstar, in partnership with Starlink.

"Mobile operators are already pressing ahead to make the UK the first nation in Western Europe to have widespread access to this technology, which will see remote and rural areas be better connected than ever before, unlocking opportunities for communities, businesses and economic growth," said David Willis, Ofcom’s group director for spectrum.

In the decision, Ofcom made reference to the UK's telcos planning to launch D2D services, including Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone.

In October, Virgin Media O2 signed a partnership with Elon Musk's SpaceX subsidiary Starlink to expand rural network coverage in the UK. The telco has plans to launch O2 Satellite in the first half of next year.

Meanwhile, Vodafone is working with AST SpaceMobile, which has yet to launch commercial services, but plans to do so from early next year.