The European Commission released a proposal to amend EU satellite spectrum rules, allowing non‑EU operators such as SpaceX’s Starlink to obtain licences for the 2 GHz band that supports direct‑to‑device communications.
The 2 GHz band will be divided equally: one‑third for government use, one‑third for new EU entrants, and one‑third for established US and EU operators; the proposal awaits debate in the European Parliament and final approval.
Current licences held by Viasat Inc. and EchoStar Corp. are set to expire in 2027; the Commission suggests extending their access by two years to ensure continuity.
The EU’s own IRIS² satellite constellation, a consortium led by Eutelsat Communications SACA, SES SA and Hispasat SA, is scheduled for launch in 2029 and will focus on broadband connectivity rather than direct‑to‑device services.
Deutsche Telekom AG has already partnered with Starlink for direct‑to‑device services, while Vodafone Group Plc is collaborating with Amazon’s LEO constellation and Texas‑based AST, which also works with Orange SA and Telefónica SA.
