ESPI Advocates for Enhanced European Control Over MSS Spectrum

• •ESPI calls for stronger European control over MSS spectrum amid new proposals.
• •Current licenses are held by non-European operators, raising concerns of dependency.
• •Recommendations include safeguarding spectrum for European operators and supporting SMEs.

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) has called for stronger controls over mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum in Europe, emphasizing the need for a full-stack approach to ensure that European operators, manufacturers, and satellite services are prioritized. The call comes in response to the European Commission's proposal to reserve a portion of the 2 GHz MSS band for European operators, which currently includes licenses held by Inmarsat and Solaris. ESPI warns of a potential 'quasi-sovereign outcome' if European spectrum is used to benefit non-European satellite operators. The report suggests that while reserving spectrum is a positive step, it is insufficient without ensuring European control over the entire value chain. The ESPI brief includes recommendations for policymakers to prevent reliance on foreign space infrastructure and to support small and medium enterprises in the sector.