European Parliament negotiator Michał Kobosko has warned that the EU must protect its telecommunications sector from foreign dominance. The warning specifically targets SpaceX, as the company explores expanding its Starlink satellite services into direct-to-consumer mobile communications.
Kobosko is currently drafting the Digital Networks Act, which aims to update EU telecommunications regulations. The draft includes strict standards for pan-European spectrum license sovereignty and resilience to prevent any single foreign entity from gaining total control over the European market.
The concerns follow SpaceX's recent acquisition of spectrum licenses in the United States, which allows the company to compete directly with major American telecom operators. European carriers fear a similar strategy could be deployed within the EU, potentially disrupting local infrastructure investments.
Geopolitical tensions have intensified these concerns, particularly following reports of Starlink service restrictions affecting military operations in Ukraine. EU officials are now prioritizing technological sovereignty to reduce reliance on US-based infrastructure and services.
In May, the European Commission proposed reserving a portion of spectrum for European companies to allow direct smartphone-to-satellite connectivity, limiting the reach of operators like Starlink. This proposal has become a point of contention in transatlantic relations, with US officials warning of potential retaliation.
The Digital Networks Act remains under negotiation between the European Parliament and member states. The current draft includes provisions requiring major data traffic generators to negotiate interconnection agreements with telecom operators, though the final version of the legislation is still being finalized.
