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EU Commission Plans to Favor European Satellite Operators in Spectrum Allocation
🇸🇰 Slovakia /Technology

EU Commission Plans to Favor European Satellite Operators in Spectrum Allocation

From SME · () Slovak

Translated from Slovak, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • The European Commission proposes allocating two-thirds of spectrum for satellite internet services to EU operators.
  • This move aims to reduce reliance on U.S. tech companies and bolster European providers.
  • The new rules, set to replace expiring licenses in May 2027, will reserve one-third for government use and split the remaining two-thirds for commercial purposes, with preferential treatment for EU companies.

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to reserve approximately two-thirds of the radio frequency spectrum for satellite internet services specifically for European Union operators. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to decrease the continent's dependence on American technology firms and to strengthen the position of European providers in the burgeoning satellite internet market.

Current EU licenses for the harmonized 2 GHz frequency band are set to expire in May 2027. In response, the Commission has drafted new regulations to dictate which entities can operate these vital networks moving forward. Since the current rules were established in 2008, the global satellite internet landscape has transformed dramatically, with U.S. companies like Starlink and Amazon emerging as dominant players.

promote supplier diversification and stimulate the entry of EU suppliers into the market

— European CommissionThe stated goal of the proposed spectrum allocation rules.

Under the proposed framework, one-third of the spectrum will be designated for governmental purposes, including security and military communications, accessible only to EU operators. The remaining two-thirds are intended for commercial use, aiming to extend internet coverage to areas lacking terrestrial networks. Half of this commercial capacity will be reserved for EU operators, while the other half will remain open to international providers.

According to the Commission, these proposed restrictions are designed to "promote supplier diversification and stimulate the entry of EU suppliers into the market." However, the proposal still requires review and approval from EU member states and the European Parliament. European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen emphasized the critical need for high-capacity, affordable satellite internet to enhance the resilience of the EU's communication networks.

high-capacity and affordable satellite internet connection is essential to strengthen the resilience of the EU's communication networks.

— Henna VirkkunenEuropean Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen on the importance of satellite internet.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by SME in Slovak. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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