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 services (MSS) 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 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.
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.
Background
The proposed Regulation for the selection procedure and authorisation of the 2 GHz MSS frequency band replaces the 2008 Decision, under which the current operators were selected. Their authorisations expire in May 2027.
The new 2 GHz MSS Regulation is consistent with the proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA), according to which all satellite spectrum is to be authorised at EU level under one set of conditions to allow for consistency across borders.
The Commission’s proposal takes into account the Opinions of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group, namely the MSS Opinion, adopted in 2024, and the ‘Direct-to- Device’ Opinion, adopted in 2025. The proposal also takes into consideration the feedback received to the Commission’s 2025 targeted consultation on the future use of the 2 GHz MSS band.
IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is the European Union’s Secure Connectivity programme. It is set to provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens, private companies, governmental authorities and defence users.
