TAMPA, Fla. — Europe has proposed reserving two-thirds of 2 gigahertz mobile satellite spectrum up for renewal next year for European operators, complicating SpaceX’s direct-to-device (D2D) ambitions and the outlook for Viasat’s European Aviation Network.
The European Commission outlined plans May 27 to divide the spectrum into three equal blocks. One-third would be set aside for a European operator providing dedicated government communications integrated into IRIS², the European Union’s planned sovereign connectivity constellation.
The rest would be split between a commercial block reserved for “EU operators entering the market” and another that would remain open to those based outside Europe.
“More than ever high-capacity, widely available satellite connectivity is essential to strengthen the resilience of the EU’s communication networks,” said Henna Virkkunen, EU Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
“Our proposal will allow provision of satellite and terrestrial connectivity directly to our mobile devices, ensuring that all areas in the EU, and namely those where terrestrial networks are unavailable, are equipped with voice and broadband internet connectivity.”
U.S.-based Viasat is currently using the spectrum for its hybrid satellite-cellular European Aviation Network, while EchoStar plans to sell off its holdings to bolster SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile D2D service.
EchoStar declined to comment, while SpaceX and Viasat did not respond to emails.
Luxembourg-based OQ Technology is among satellite operators looking to break into the 2 GHz band to provide sovereign D2D connectivity for Europe.
U.S.-based D2D venture AST SpaceMobile has also registered plans in Germany for a European network via a joint venture with British mobile giant Vodafone.
The proposal still needs approval from the European Parliament and Council, leaving room for changes as lawmakers scrutinize the plan.
It could also add to transatlantic tensions over spectrum and space policy as U.S. officials and companies are already criticizing efforts to harmonize regulations across the continent via the EU Space Act.
In March, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr was quoted by Politico saying the U.S. would respond in kind if Europe adopts measures favoring domestic satellite companies over those from the U.S.
