HL Deb 26 October 1988 vol 500 c1695WA
Lord Nugent of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to announce the award of the six specialised satellite service licences currently on offer.

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Lord Young of Graffham)

Following advice from the Director General of Telecommunications, the Government have decided to grant licences under the Telecommunications Act 1984 to provide one way point to multipoint satellite based telecommunications services in the UK to the following:

  • British Aerospace PLC
  • British Satellite Broadcasting Ltd
  • Electronic Data Systems Ltd
  • Maxwell Satellite Communications Ltd
  • Satellite Information Services Ltd
  • Uplink Ltd
I believe that the licensing of these companies should lead to strong competition in this emerging market. The Director General of Telecommunications will, in any case, be keeping the position under review.