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EU Opens Spectrum to Musk & Amazon, Reserves Bulk for Europe
27 May
Summary
- Non-European satellite operators can bid for EU spectrum next year.
- Bulk of frequencies will be reserved for European businesses.
- EU aims to boost its tech sovereignty and critical communication needs.
The European Commission has announced that non-European satellite operators, including Elon Musk's Starlink and Amazon's upcoming low-earth-orbit satellite business, will be eligible to bid for European mobile satellite spectrum beginning next year. This decision comes as current licenses, held by U.S. companies, are set to expire.
The new allocation system aims to foster greater competition while prioritizing European technological independence. A significant portion of the available spectrum will be reserved for European companies, aligning with the EU's broader strategy to enhance its tech sovereignty amidst global competition and transatlantic tensions.
The 2 GHz frequency band is particularly valuable for direct-to-device services, bypassing traditional telecom providers. It is also essential for critical communications and ensuring high-speed internet access in underserved remote regions, strengthening the EU's overall communication network resilience.
One-third of the mobile satellite spectrum will be designated for governmental use, including security and military applications. This capacity will be provided by an EU operator integrated with the bloc's IRIS2 satellite constellation, Europe's response to Starlink. The remaining two-thirds will be split equally between EU and non-EU commercial operators.
