The European Commission on Wednesday presented a regulatory framework that would open certain satellite spectrum to non-European providers while preserving predominant access for operators based in the EU.
The draft rules target satellite systems capable of communicating directly with mobile handsets and other consumer devices, delivering text, data and voice services without the need for supplementary user equipment. In its outline, the Commission proposed splitting the 2 GHz frequency band into three equal parts: one-third set aside for government use, one-third allocated to new EU-based entrants, and one-third available to established operators from the US and the EU.
The proposal is not final legislation. It must be debated in the European Parliament and approved before it would take effect. Current licences for the relevant services expire in 2027. As part of the package, the Commission suggested a two-year extension of access for incumbent providers Viasat Inc. and EchoStar Corp.
EU satellite programme and timing
The Commission has also supported development of an EU-led constellation, IRIS², built through a consortium led by French companies Eutelsat Communications and SES, together with Spain’s Hispasat. IRIS² is designed around broadband connectivity and is not aimed at direct-to-device services; the system is not expected to be ready until 2029.
Industry alignments
Some European carriers have already begun lining up partnerships with low-Earth orbit providers. Deutsche Telekom announced a tie-up with Starlink for direct-to-device services earlier this year. Vodafone is collaborating with Amazon’s LEO constellation and with Texas-based AST. AST has additionally formed partnerships with Orange and Telefónica.
The Commission framed the proposal as an attempt to strike a balance between enabling advanced satellite-to-device technologies and protecting domestic operators and critical infrastructure from foreign encroachment. The exact implementation and the final distribution of licences will depend on the outcome of the parliamentary review and any subsequent approvals.
Note: The regulatory proposal is subject to parliamentary debate and approval before becoming binding.