Symbolic imageUS threatens EU over satellite spectrum as European carriers weigh joint bid
The US ambassador to the EU threatened retaliation if Brussels limits non-EU access to mobile satellite spectrum. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone are weighing a joint bid.
Andrew Puzder, the US ambassador to the EU, told the Financial Times (reported on Sunday, 18 October) that European companies "should be wary" of retaliation that "would be very devastating for those companies", given the size of the US market. He called weakening US competitiveness an illegitimate goal of such legislation, while acknowledging Europe's right to protect sensitive government information. He also questioned the aims of the Digital Markets Act and urged Brussels and Washington to cooperate against China on AI.
What the Commission proposes
In May the Commission proposed splitting the 2 GHz band into three equal parts: one for state use and two for commercial use, with half of the commercial share reserved for European providers (FAZ). Current authorisations expire next May, so time is short.
Carriers explore joint bid
On Monday the FT, Reuters and Bloomberg reported that Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone are exploring a joint bid. According to FAZ, they would build shared ground infrastructure and control but not join a constellation, for which a partner is yet to be chosen.
Ukraine concerns
SpaceX warns the plan could degrade connectivity in Ukraine, where Ukrainian military officials reported restrictions on Starshield terminals on 14 October (Meduza).