The European Union has proposed a plan to reserve two-thirds of its valuable 2GHz mobile satellite spectrum for European operators, a move aimed at enhancing the bloc's "tech sovereignty." [2, 9, 12] The plan allocates one-third of the band for government services linked to its IRIS² satellite constellation and another third for EU-based commercial newcomers, leaving only a third open to all companies, including non-EU operators like SpaceX. [4, 5, 6]
SpaceX has voiced strong opposition, stating the proposal would put it and other US firms at a disadvantage and could undermine its direct-to-device service ambitions in Europe. [2, 4] In a document cited by the Financial Times, the company specifically warned that the EU's plan risks disrupting vital connectivity, including for emergency services in Ukraine which heavily rely on its Starlink satellite network. [3, 10]