European Commission proposes EU-wide satellite spectrum authorisation system
Proposal reserves satellite spectrum for both government and commercial applications.
The European Commission has proposed a new EU-wide authorisation system for mobile satellite services operating in the harmonised 2 GHz frequency band once current licences expire in 2027. The move is intended to strengthen connectivity, resilience, competitiveness and critical communications across the bloc.
Under the proposal, an EU-level selection process would replace the framework introduced in 2008. The European Commission said a single authorisation system across Member States would improve regulatory consistency and enable satellite operators to provide cross-border services more efficiently.
The proposal would reserve one-third of the 2 GHz band for governmental uses, including critical communications, security and defence, through an EU operator associated with the Union’s IRIS² Secure Connectivity programme.
The European Commission said the new framework is intended to support secure, resilient and innovative satellite services while strengthening critical communications capabilities and reducing strategic dependencies. The proposal was presented in Brussels and aligns with broader plans for EU-level satellite spectrum management.
Why does it matter?
Satellite communications are becoming increasingly important for connectivity, emergency response, government communications and critical infrastructure resilience. A harmonised EU authorisation system could simplify cross-border operations for satellite providers while strengthening the bloc’s ability to support secure communications services.
The proposal also reflects broader European efforts to improve resilience in strategic digital and space infrastructure and reduce dependence on external providers in critical sectors.
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