European Commission proposes new authorisation for mobile satellite services for EU's resilience and competitiveness

The European Commission adopted a proposal for the selection of mobile satellite service providers who will be authorised to use the harmonised 2 GHz frequency band beyond 2027, when the current licenses expire. Spectrum for mobile satellite services is a strategic asset for enabling innovative commercial use, and for security and defence. The Commission proposes to establish an EU-level selection procedure for the assignment of this spectrum. Granting an EU-level authorisation for the use of the 2 GHz frequency band for mobile satellite services in all EU Member States will ensure regulatory consistency across the EU and allow operators to develop and provide services across borders. The spectrum would be divided accordingly:

• One third of the 2 GHz MSS band would be dedicated to governmental use, such as for critical communications, security and military, to be provided by an EU operator. The operator will ensure integration with the current and future capabilities of the infrastructure of the Union Secure Connectivity programme IRIS.
• Two-thirds of the 2 GHz MSS band would be dedicated to commercial use, such as D2D services to mobile devices, ensuring mobile coverage where terrestrial networks are unavailable. It can also be used for Internet of Things, such as personal fitness trackers, energy monitoring, and emergency response devices. The spectrum in this band would be divided equally for:
  • the use of the band by EU operators entering the market, to encourage the diversification of suppliers and incentivise the entry into the market of EU suppliers;
  • the use of the band by EU and non-EU operators.