EU proposes reserving 2 GHz satellite band for EU operators

The European Commission has proposed a plan to reserve two-thirds of a key mobile satellite spectrum band for European operators, a move that would significantly limit the expansion of U.S.-based services like SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper in the European market. The proposal, outlined on May 27, concerns the allocation of the 2 GHz mobile satellite services band ahead of the expiration of current licenses in May 2027.

The plan would divide the spectrum into three equal blocks. One-third would be set aside for a European operator providing dedicated government communications, which would be integrated into IRIS², the European Union's planned sovereign satellite constellation. Another third would be reserved for commercial use by EU operators entering the market, while the final third would remain open for competitive bidding by non-European companies, including those based in the United States.

Officials stated the move aims to strengthen the resilience and security of the bloc's communication networks. "More than ever, high-capacity, widely available satellite connectivity is essential to strengthen the resilience of the EU's communication networks," said Henna...