June - 2026


BY: ANNE SOLÈNE GAY

The European Commission Adopts a Proposal for a New Selection System for 2 GHz MSS Providers

On May 27, 2026, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal establishing a new selection system for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) providers authorized to use the harmonized 2 GHz frequency band. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the EU's satellite spectrum governance framework ahead of the 2027 expiration of the authorizations originally granted under Commission Decision 2009/449/EC — the implementing decision of the 2008 MSS Selection Decision (626/2008/EC).

Overview and Significance

The 2 GHz MSS band — comprising the 1980–2010 MHz (uplink) and 2170–2200 MHz (downlink) segments — currently underpins satellite-based mobile communications, including emerging Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity. D2D technology enables smartphones and other consumer devices to connect directly to satellites without relying on terrestrial base stations. This technology is of growing strategic interest as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations rapidly expand.

Under the original 2008 framework, two operators were selected following a pan-European comparative selection procedure: Inmarsat Ventures SE and Solaris Mobile Ltd (later acquired by Eutelsat). Their authorizations expire in 2027, creating a regulatory gap that the new proposal aims to address.

The Commission's proposal would replace the 2008 framework with a permanent EU-level authorization mechanism, consistent with the forthcoming Digital Networks Act (DNA). The DNA — still under inter-institutional negotiation as of mid-2026 — introduces the principle that EU-harmonized satellite spectrum must be authorized at Union level under a single set of conditions, replacing the current patchwork of national implementations.

Proposed Spectrum Allocation

Under the proposal, the 2 GHz MSS spectrum would be divided as follows:

  • One third would be reserved exclusively for governmental use, including communications, security, and defense services operated by an EU-based entity.

  • Two-thirds would be allocated to commercial use, covering services such as D2D connectivity, mobile broadband in areas underserved by terrestrial networks, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications — including personal emergency locators, environmental monitoring, and connected wearables.

    • This commercial portion would be divided equally between:

      • A sub-band reserved for new EU market entrants, aimed at fostering competition and reducing dependence on non-European operators;

      • A sub-band open to both EU and non-EU operators, ensuring continued market access for established global players.

Legislative Procedure and Timeline

The proposal follows a targeted public consultation conducted by the Commission in November 2025. It is subject to the ordinary legislative procedure, requiring approval by both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before it can enter into force.

According to the Commission's internal planning documents, the following indicative timeline has been outlined:

  • Late 2027 – Early 2028: Adoption of the final legislative framework

  • 2028–2029: Conduct of the selection procedure for new operators

  • 2029 onward: Establishment and granting of new usage rights

This timeline remains provisional and may be adjusted during the legislative process.

Tags:
Mobile Satellite Services (MSS), 2 GHz MSS Band, Satellite Spectrum, European Commission, Digital Networks Act (DNA), Spectrum Authorization, EU Telecommunications Regulation, Satellite Communications, Direct-to-Device (D2D), Spectrum Licensing, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites, EU Space Policy, Commission Decision 2009/449/EC, 626/2008/EC

<- Back to: Last news