SpaceX Accuses EU of Satellite Spectrum Discrimination

SpaceX has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to penalize rival satellite internet provider Eutelsat OneWeb. This action follows the European Union's adoption of new rules designed to reserve satellite spectrum for European companies. SpaceX believes these EU policies threaten to negatively affect its Starlink Mobile service, which provides data to phones, notably in Ukraine.

In a recent filing with the FCC, SpaceX's VP for Satellite Policy, David Goldman, stated that "other administrations" are promoting policies that "discriminate against American space operators." He emphasized that global spectrum harmonization is crucial for robust satellite services worldwide. SpaceX is specifically concerned about Eutelsat OneWeb's request for a new satellite constellation, arguing that the home countries of such operators are among those implementing discriminatory policies.

SpaceX advocates for the FCC to evaluate market access applications based on reciprocity, particularly in light of the EU's latest proposals. The company stresses that while it welcomes market access for non-US operators, discriminatory barriers based on country of origin will harm everyone and encourage protectionism. SpaceX had previously urged the FCC to formalize this market reciprocity threat into actual policy to counter the EU's actions.