Brussels Aims to Limit Mobile-Satellite Spectrum Bidding to European Operators

Published on May 26, 2026

The European Commission is set to announce a groundbreaking proposal aimed at reshaping the mobile-satellite landscape. Historically, the bidding process for the 2 GHz mobile-satellite band included both European and non-European firms. This status quo allowed companies like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper to compete freely within the EU market.

Now, significant changes are on the horizon. The Commission plans to reserve two-thirds of the mobile-satellite spectrum solely for European entities. This decision leaves non-EU companies to vie for a mere third of the available spectrum, fundamentally altering the competitive environment.

The rationale behind this move centers on boosting Europe’s domestic satellite capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign technology. As the announcement nears, tension rises among non-European operators who may find themselves sidelined. The plan has sparked discussions on the future role of international firms in the EU market.

The implications of this policy could be far-reaching. European firms may gain stronger footholds, potentially leading to more innovative services and improved infrastructure. However, non-EU companies might face significant obstacles, limiting their growth opportunities within one of the largest markets in the world.

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