The European Union aims to reorganize the allocation of the 2 GHz mobile satellite spectrum with a very clear idea: to allow some competition from non-European operators like Starlink or Amazon, but to reserve most of the resource for European companies and strategic public services. The proposal, advanced by Reuters and also covered by Euronews, reflects an increasingly visible tension in Brussels: Europe needs to compete in satellite connectivity, but does not want to become critically dependent on U.S. providers.
The move affects a particularly sensitive band because it can be used for satellite mobile services, including direct-to-device communications—that is, direct connections between satellites and mobile phones, vehicles, or other devices without passing through a traditional terrestrial network. This isn’t just about providing internet in rural areas. Satellite connectivity is increasingly seen as critical infrastructure for resilience, security, defense, and operational continuity.
One-third for public services and two-thirds for the market
The European Commission’s proposal proposes reserving one-third of the spectrum for government, security, and defense services, aligning with the future IRIS² system. The remaining two-thirds would be for commercial use, with a division designed to protect European operators: one part reserved for European companies, and another open to non-EU operators, where Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper could compete.
This decision is driven by the fact that current licenses for the 2 GHz band, used by operators like Viasat and EchoStar, will expire in May 2027. Brussels seeks to leverage this expiry to redesign the allocation with criteria of technological sovereignty, competition, and security. The proposal still needs to be negotiated with member states and the European Parliament, so the final design could change.
The chosen balance does not fully satisfy anyone. Some commissioners and European voices argued for reserving the entire spectrum for EU operators to bolster technological autonomy. Others, including Vice President for Technology Henna Virkkunen, advocated for partial openness to avoid excluding foreign actors entirely and to reduce the risk of U.S. commercial retaliation.
| Proposed Spectrum Distribution of 2 GHz | Intended Use | Potential Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| One-third | Governmental, security, and defense services | EU operators linked to IRIS² |
| One-third | Commercial services reserved for Europe | European satellite operators |
| One-third | Open commercial services | European and non-European companies, including Starlink and Amazon |
Brussels’ logic is twofold. On one hand, it avoids completely shutting the European market to the large U.S. constellations, which already have scale, technology, and deployment capacity. On the other hand, it ensures the EU retains a significant portion of the spectrum to build its own satellite autonomy.
Starlink has shifted the debate on digital sovereignty
The Ukraine war changed Europe’s perception of satellite connectivity. Starlink demonstrated that a private, low-earth orbit constellation could become critical infrastructure during conflict, maintaining communications when terrestrial networks were damaged. This utility boosted SpaceX’s technological prestige but also raised alarms in Europe: an essential capacity for governments, militaries, and emergencies cannot depend entirely on a foreign company and corporate decisions taken outside the EU.
The Commission has long discussed the concept of technological sovereignty in terms of cloud, artificial intelligence, chips, cybersecurity, and data. Now, that discussion is extending into space. Thomas Regnier, the EU spokesperson for technological sovereignty, summarized the approach with a clear phrase: European satellite connectivity is synonymous with resilience, security, and capacity.
IRIS² is the flagship European project in this area. The constellation, awarded to the SpaceRISE consortium, will combine low and medium Earth orbit satellites to provide secure communications for governments, businesses, and citizens, as well as improve connectivity in areas without ground coverage. The Commission talks about a network of 290 satellites, although initial government services are not expected until 2030.
This timeline gap explains part of the dilemma. Starlink is already operational and reportedly has over 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, according to Euronews. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is just beginning to deploy its constellation. Europe, meanwhile, is still building its alternative. Reserving spectrum helps protect IRIS²’s future but does not immediately close the capacity gap.
Direct-to-device: the true game-changer for telcos
The 2 GHz band is important not only for traditional satellite services. Its potential use for direct-to-device communications could transform mobile operators’ businesses. If a phone can connect directly to a satellite for messages, emergency calls, basic data, or services in areas without coverage, the line between mobile operator and satellite operator blurs.
For European telecoms, Starlink and Amazon are not just suppliers of supplementary connectivity. They could become direct competitors in areas where terrestrial networks have traditionally held the relationship with customers. This explains why some European operators prefer to interact with European satellite companies: they see less of a direct threat and more as partners for coverage, roaming, emergency, or resilience.
The debate mirrors what’s happening with cloud computing. Europe wants to attract international investment and technology but fears critical layers of its digital economy becoming dependent on a handful of U.S. companies. In satellite, the tension is even more sensitive because it intersects with defense, national security, emergency communications, and strategic autonomy.
| Actor | Main Interest |
|---|---|
| European Commission | Technological sovereignty, competition, and resilience |
| European satellite operators | Protected spectrum access and market defense |
| Starlink and Amazon | Entry into European satellite mobile services |
| European telecoms | Avoid direct competition that erodes their model |
| Defense and security | Reserve capacity for critical communications |
| United States | Avoid discrimination against their tech companies |
The Trump factor and the risk of retaliation
The proposal also carries a diplomatic undertone. The U.S. government has warned Europe against policies excluding non-European providers. Brendan Carr, FCC chairman, cautioned at the Mobile World Congress that if Europe chooses a path of “satellite sovereignty” that leaves out foreign operators, the U.S. could consider it when reciprocating with European companies.
Brussels is walking a tightrope. Reserving too little spectrum for European operators weakens the argument for technological sovereignty. Reserving too much risks trade disputes with Washington and accusations of protectionism. The three-part division aims to present a balanced approach: Europe safeguards its strategic capacity but does not shut the door to Starlink, Amazon, or other global players.
The timing is deliberate. The proposal arrives just ahead of the upcoming technological sovereignty package the Commission is preparing, focused on reducing dependencies in areas such as cloud, AI, connectivity, and critical technologies. Satellite connectivity is now part of the same conversation as data centers, chips, and the sovereign cloud.
Europe wants time to develop its own alternative
Brussels’ real goal appears to be buying time. Starlink already has a scale advantage. Amazon has strong financial muscle and an aggressive roadmap. Europe needs IRIS² to enter the market unencumbered by competitors controlling spectrum, customers, commercial agreements, or operational experience.
Reserving part of the spectrum does not guarantee IRIS²’s success. The European constellation will need to prove technical capability, reasonable costs, good service, interoperability with ground operators, and real utility for governments and businesses. But without prioritized spectrum access, its competitive edge would be diminished.
The proposal also prompts a broader question: what does Europe consider an open market when it comes to critical infrastructure? For years, the EU has championed competition as a core principle. Now, in sectors where technological dependence risks becoming a geopoilitical vulnerability, Brussels is introducing criteria of nationality, security, and strategic control. This is not a minor change.
Starlink and Amazon could enter, if the proposal moves forward along those lines, but not on equal footing with European operators. That’s the political message. Europe does not want to build a wall but also doesn’t want to relinquish strategic frequencies unconditionally.
The fight over satellite spectrum illustrates that digital sovereignty is no longer confined to submarine cables, data centers, or public clouds. It extends above our heads, into orbits connecting mobiles, vehicles, governments, armies, and companies, especially when terrestrial networks fall short. The question is whether Europe will have enough time to build an independent alternative before the market is shaped by others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU proposing regarding the 2 GHz satellite spectrum?
Brussels plans to reserve a significant portion for European operators and strategic public services, leaving another part open to non-European companies like Starlink or Amazon.
Why is this frequency band important?
Because it can be used for satellite-based mobile services, including direct-to-device communications between satellites and mobile phones or vehicles without terrestrial coverage.
What role will IRIS² play?
IRIS² is the upcoming European secure connectivity constellation. Brussels aims to reserve spectrum so it can provide government, security, and defense services, as well as connectivity in underserved areas.
Will Starlink and Amazon be barred from Europe?
Not necessarily. The proposal does not call for total exclusion, only partial opening. They could acquire part of the commercial spectrum, but with less margin than European operators.
via: Europa and euronews