EU favors European satellite operators over Starlink and Kuiper
The European Commission is set to adopt a decision this week favoring European satellite operators for 2 GHz radio spectrum allocation, aiming to limit the expansion of non-EU satellite internet providers like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper in Europe. This move is part of the EU's "Tech Sovereignty Package" to reduce reliance on foreign technology, potentially triggering a backlash from the US government. The decision will also influence the future of direct-to-device communications, which could see satellites connecting directly to smartphones.
Key Takeaways
- The Commission will decide Wednesday on 2 GHz mobile satellite spectrum, the only band harmonized at EU level.
- Since 2009, the 2 GHz band has been allocated to Viasat and EchoStar, both European operators.
- The Commission is weighing direct-to-device communications that would let smartphones connect directly to satellites in space.
- Thomas Regnier said satellite connectivity is tied to the EU’s technological sovereignty, security, and defence.
- Brendan Carr warned in March that the US could respond if Europe excludes non-EU satellite providers.
Why It Matters
This decision would keep the EU’s 2 GHz satellite spectrum in the hands of European operators, limiting SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper in a band that may be extended to direct-to-device smartphone connections. That matters because the same frequencies now used for emergency calls could become part of a broader connectivity stack, while Brussels tries to reduce dependence on foreign providers through its Tech Sovereignty Package. The next signal to watch is Wednesday’s Commission decision on operator selection for the 2 GHz band, along with whether the US government responds to Brendan Carr’s warning.
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