Study on mobile satellite services (MSS) in the 2 GHz band in the EU : implementation of the current regulatory framework and an overview of the satellite connectivity market : final report

In 2007, the 2GHz MSS band was harmonized in the EU so that the European Commission (EC) was able to select the operators for the band and attached conditions of authorisation. Two operators, known today as Viasat+Inmarsat and EchoStar were licenced by all Member States. This Report examines the EU 2GHz MSS regulatory framework, the deployments in the band by licensees and how Member States have licenced the operators with rather uneven authorisation approaches. This Report outlines the current state of play in international satellite markets, focusing on key trends such as the rise of LEO mega constellations and 5G NTN standardization in the 2GHz band which permits Direct-to-Device and contains information on operators in the various sub-markets. The Report also examines ITU rules governing MSS and international practices of certain countries for launching satellites and their domestic telecoms licencing. Very few countries have licenced the 2GHz band for MSS. The EU faces unprecedented challenges on how to approach the reassignment when the current licences expire in May 2027.