The European Commission has proposed a new framework for the 2 GHz mobile satellite services (MSS) band, outlined in a document dated May 27, 2026. The plan aims to divide the spectrum into three parts, reserving two-thirds for European operators and government entities. Starlink would be eligible to compete for the remaining third alongside other market participants.
The current licenses for the 2 GHz band, held by US companies Viasat and EchoStar, are scheduled to expire in May 2027. This spectrum is critical for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, which enables satellite communication directly with smartphones. The initiative is part of a broader EU strategy to foster regional independence in satellite services.
On October 19, 2026, major European carriers including Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone announced they might collaborate to bid for these spectrum rights. Their goal is to provide wholesale D2D services across the region. SpaceX has expressed concerns that these rules could negatively impact service quality in regions like Ukraine and create interference risks.
The US government has signaled potential retaliation if the policy adversely affects American firms. The future of the proposal remains subject to negotiations with EU member states, the potential formalization of the carriers' joint bid, and any further legal or regulatory challenges from SpaceX.
