The European Commission has adopted a proposal for the selection of mobile satellite service providers 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 2 GHz MSS band is ideal for Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, providing critical communication capabilities and ensuring access to high-speed internet in areas without terrestrial coverage.
“More than ever high-capacity, widely available satellite connectivity is essential to strengthen the resilience of the EU’s communication networks”, said EC executive vice-president Henna Virkkunen: “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.”
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 IRIS².
- Two thirds of the 2 GHz MSS band would be dedicated to 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 respond 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.
The timely availability of secure, resilient, performant and innovative satellite services will strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and critical communications capabilities. Satellite connectivity is a key piece of our technological sovereignty, our security, and our defence.
Proposal for a Regulation – Authorisation of systems providing mobile satellite services (MSS)
Annex to the Proposal for a Regulation – Authorisation of systems providing mobile satellite services (MSS)
