Development of Mobile Satellite Services in the EU’s Resilience Context

Analysis of the EU Commission’s 2026 Spectrum Proposal, Starlink’s Expansion, and the Imperative for European Tech Sovereignty

Over the past three years, mobile satellite services (MSS) have emerged as a critical component of the European Union’s strategy to enhance resilience, digital sovereignty, and technological competitiveness. The EU Commission’s recent proposal to authorize the use of the 2 GHz frequency band for MSS beyond 2027 underscores the strategic importance of satellite connectivity in securing Europe’s communication networks, especially in remote and emergency contexts. This proposal is set against the backdrop of rapid market and technological advancements by private actors such as Starlink, which has transformed the satellite internet landscape globally and in Europe.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the development of mobile satellite services in the EU over the past three years, comparing it with Starlink’s market and technological trajectory. It highlights why the emergence of a European satellite network, particularly through the IRIS² constellation, is a vital element of the EU’s broader push for tech sovereignty and resilience. 

The EU’s Mobile Satellite Services Proposal: Objectives, Scope, and Strategic Importance

The European Commission’s proposal to authorize mobile satellite services in the 2 GHz frequency band beyond 2027 is a pivotal regulatory and strategic move. This authorization aims to ensure continuity and expansion of satellite connectivity services that are essential for the EU’s resilience and competitiveness. The proposal divides the spectrum into three equal parts: one-third reserved for governmental use (including security and defense), one-third for EU operators entering the market, and one-third open to non-EU providers such as Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper/Leo. This allocation strategy is designed to encourage diversification of suppliers, incentivize EU market entrants, and reduce dependence on large international competitors, thereby strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty.

The proposal is closely integrated with the EU’s flagship IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) program, which plans to deploy 290 satellites by 2030. IRIS² will provide secure, resilient, and sovereign satellite connectivity for governmental and commercial applications, including emergency response and critical infrastructure support. The EU-level authorization regime for MSS is intended to harmonize spectrum access across member states, fostering cross-border availability and EU-wide resilience.

The strategic importance of this proposal lies in its contribution to the EU’s digital sovereignty and security. By reserving spectrum for European operators and governmental use, the EU aims to limit the dominance of non-EU providers, reduce vulnerabilities from external dependencies, and enhance its capacity to respond to crises and secure communications networks. This is especially critical in light of geopolitical tensions and the need for secure, reliable connectivity independent of foreign control.

 

Starlink’s Market and Technological Advancements in Europe: A Comparative Lens

Over the past three years, Starlink has rapidly expanded its satellite internet services in Europe, achieving significant market penetration and performance improvements. Starlink’s median download speeds in Europe increased by 45% from Q1 2025 to Q1 2026, with some countries like Latvia achieving speeds exceeding 230 Mbps. This performance boost is a result of Starlink’s continuous satellite deployments and investments in its low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, which has enabled lower latency and improved.

Starlink has also made strides in reducing hardware costs and subscription prices, making its services more accessible. The standard dish price has dropped from €499 to €299, and monthly subscription fees in key markets like France and Germany have been reduced to €45–€50. This pricing strategy is part of Starlink’s effort to broaden its customer base and consolidate its market position in Europe.

However, Starlink’s dominance is increasingly challenged by competitors such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which plans to deploy over 1,000 satellites by mid-2026, and by the EU’s own IRIS² constellation. The European satellite market is evolving rapidly, with new entrants and technological innovations reshaping the competitive landscape. Starlink’s future market position will depend on its ability to adapt to this increasing competition and to maintain its technological edge.

Starlink’s Current Status in Europe (Mid-2026):

Operational Milestones: As of early 2026, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service became operational in the United Kingdom.

Strategic Partnerships: In March 2026, Starlink secured a landmark deal with Deutsche Telekom, aiming to roll out satellite-based mobile connectivity across major European markets. This partnership leverages existing terrestrial infrastructure to bypass the need for standalone satellite terminals, offering seamless connectivity to standard smartphones.

Market Position: Starlink currently benefits from a mature constellation of over 6,000 satellites, offering immediate coverage and lower latency compared to emerging competitors. Their commercial model is highly competitive, often undercutting traditional satellite providers on price.

 

The Current State of European Satellite Infrastructure and Capabilities

The EU’s satellite infrastructure is undergoing a transformative phase with the development of the IRIS² constellation, which aims to deploy 290 satellites by 2030 across multiple orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO). This project, supported by a consortium including SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, is designed to provide secure, resilient, and sovereign connectivity for governmental and commercial users, reducing Europe’s dependence on non-EU providers and enhancing its technological sovereignty.

The EU’s GOVSATCOM program, operational since early 2026, provides secure encrypted satellite communications for EU member states, marking a significant step toward strategic autonomy in space-based communications. This program, along with Galileo (navigation) and Copernicus (Earth observation), forms part of the EU’s broader space ecosystem that supports resilience, security, and digital sovereignty.

Despite these advancements, Europe still faces gaps and dependencies, particularly in satellite launch services, navigation, and cloud infrastructure, where non-EU providers like SpaceX and U.S. tech giants dominate. These dependencies create structural vulnerabilities that the EU aims to address through accelerated investment in sovereign capabilities and the IRIS² project.

Current Progress (2026):

Consortium Formation: In late 2024, the European Commission awarded a 12-year concession to the SpaceRISE consortium, comprising SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, supported by industrial giants like Thales Alenia Space, Airbus, and OHB.

Deployment Timeline: The program is in the implementation phase. The first launch campaigns are slated to begin after 2026, with full operational capability for governmental services targeted for 2030.

Architecture: The constellation will consist of approximately 290 satellites across multiple orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO), utilizing Ka-band spectrum. It is designed to provide secure, encrypted communications for governments and high-speed broadband for citizens in remote areas.

 

The Role of Mobile Satellite Services in the EU’s Resilience and Digital Sovereignty

Mobile satellite services are a critical enabler of the EU’s resilience, particularly in emergency response, critical infrastructure support, and digital sovereignty. The IRIS² constellation and the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) provide secure and reliable connectivity that ensures continuity of communications during crises, when terrestrial networks may fail or be compromised. These services support emergency responders, health professionals, and civil protection organizations in delivering timely and effective responses to disasters and security threats.

The EU’s digital infrastructure, including satellite systems, has historically relied on external providers, creating vulnerabilities that undermine digital sovereignty. The EU’s push for strategic autonomy includes developing sovereign launch capabilities and investing in secure satellite constellations like IRIS². The Digital Networks Act (DNA) further supports this by establishing a harmonized EU-level authorization regime for satellite networks, enhancing resilience and reducing fragmentation.

The integration of satellite services with the EU’s regulatory excellence, such as GDPR and the EU Space Act, creates a competitive advantage by embedding privacy-by-design and ethical governance into space infrastructure. This approach enhances trust and security, positioning Europe as a leader in space governance that balances innovation, privacy protection, and geopolitical strategy.

A European-owned network is viewed as vital for several reasons:

Security of Supply: Reliance on U.S. or Chinese satellites creates a single point of failure. In a geopolitical crisis, access to foreign networks could be restricted or monitored. IRIS² ensures the EU retains full control over its critical communication channels.

Data Sovereignty: For government and defense communications, data must remain within EU jurisdiction. IRIS² guarantees that sensitive data is not routed through foreign infrastructure subject to extraterritorial laws (e.g., the U.S. CLOUD Act).

Economic Independence: Developing a sovereign space industry creates high-value jobs and reduces the outflow of capital to foreign tech giants. It fosters a self-sustaining ecosystem of European aerospace and telecommunications firms.

 

Technological Advancements in European Satellite Services

The European satellite sector has seen significant technological innovations over the past three years, driven by collaborations between the European Space Agency (ESA), industry leaders, and member states. Key advancements include:

Smart antennas and AI-based bandwidth allocation, improving efficiency and reliability of satellite communications.

Lightweight satellite platforms, reducing launch costs and enabling larger constellations.

Hybrid cloud-satellite architectures, integrating satellite networks with cloud services for scalable solutions.

Inter-satellite links and experimental payloads, enhancing interoperability and functionality.

These innovations are supported by major programs such as Galileo, Copernicus, SSA, GOVSATCOM, and IRIS², which collectively aim to maintain Europe’s leadership in space technology and security.

Investments in research and development, including public-private partnerships, have been substantial, focusing on enhancing satellite internet technology, AI governance for space applications, and quantum encryption for secure communications. These efforts are crucial for Europe’s strategic autonomy and long-term competitiveness in the global space.

 

Market Trends and Competitive Landscape in European Satellite Services

The European satellite communications market is projected to grow from €25.6 billion in 2025 to USD €61.1 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 10.15%. This growth is driven by strong competition among global satellite operators, aerospace companies, and communication technology providers. France and Germany are key players, with France capturing nearly 20% of the market share in 2026 due to its strong space technology ecosystem.

The competitive landscape is characterized by intense rivalry between established aerospace primes and agile NewSpace entrants, with technological innovation and cost efficiency as key differentiators. The EU’s IRIS² project and the allocation of the 2 GHz mobile satellite spectrum to European firms are significant initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on non-EU providers and enhancing the EU’s technological sovereignty.

Starlink remains a dominant player in Europe, but its market position is increasingly challenged by Amazon’s Project Kuiper, AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, and the EU’s IRIS² constellation. The European satellite internet market is expected to reach €5,25 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 14.3%, driven by demand for high-speed internet and secure connectivity solutions.

 

Strategic Importance of a European Satellite Network for Tech Sovereignty

The development of a European satellite network, particularly the IRIS² constellation, is a cornerstone of the EU’s broader strategy to achieve technological sovereignty and digital resilience. By deploying 290 satellites across multiple orbits, IRIS² aims to provide secure, reliable, and sovereign connectivity for governmental and commercial applications, reducing dependence on non-EU providers and enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy.

The EU’s push for digital sovereignty is crucial for its economic strength, security, and long-term competitiveness. The EU currently relies on non-EU countries for over 80% of key digital products, services, infrastructure, and intellectual property, and reducing this dependency is essential for Europe’s future. The IRIS² project, with its quantum encryption and privacy-by-design architecture, aligns with the EU’s goals for digital autonomy and resilience, positioning Europe as a leader in space governance and technological innovation.

The Digital Networks Act (DNA) introduces a harmonized EU-level authorization regime for satellite networks, simplifying licensing and enhancing resilience. This regulatory framework supports the EU’s strategic objectives by enabling EU-wide access to satellite services and fostering a competitive European satellite ecosystem.

Comparative Summary Table: EU Mobile Satellite Services Proposal vs. Starlink’s Market Position

Aspect	EU Mobile Satellite Services Proposal	Starlink’s Market Position in Europe
Objective	Enhance EU resilience, reduce dependence on non-EU providers, foster European operators	Provide global satellite internet with high performance and affordability
Spectrum Allocation	2 GHz band divided equally: 1/3 governmental, 1/3 EU operators, 1/3 non-EU providers	Operates in LEO, uses proprietary spectrum and satellite constellation
Market Penetration	Aims to support European startups and reduce external dominance	Significant growth in Europe, with 45% speed increase in 2025–2026, but varying penetration across countries
Technological Focus	IRIS² constellation with 290 satellites, quantum encryption, AI-based bandwidth allocation	Continuous satellite deployments, direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, lower latency
Strategic Importance	Critical for EU’s digital sovereignty, emergency response, and security	Dominant player in satellite internet, but faces competition from EU and other global actors
Regulatory Framework	EU-level authorization regime under Digital Networks Act (DNA)	Operates under U.S. regulatory framework and ITU coordination

Despite the strategic clarity, the path forward is fraught with challenges:

Timing Gap: IRIS² will not be fully operational until 2030. In the interim, the EU must rely on existing commercial providers (including Starlink) for critical services, creating a temporary dependency.

Cost and Complexity: Building a constellation of 290 satellites is a massive financial undertaking. The success of the SpaceRISE consortium depends on efficient execution and sustained funding.

Market Viability: Can European operators compete with Starlink’s low-cost, high-volume model? The commercial segment of the EU proposal must attract enough investment to be viable against established global players.

International Relations: The spectrum restriction risks escalating trade tensions with the U.S. The EU must navigate this carefully to avoid retaliatory measures that could harm European tech exports.

Conclusion

The development of mobile satellite services in the EU over the past three years reflects a strategic imperative to enhance resilience, digital sovereignty, and technological competitiveness. The EU Commission’s proposal to authorize the 2 GHz frequency band for mobile satellite services is a pivotal step to ensure continuity, encourage European market entrants, and reduce dependence on non-EU providers. This initiative is closely aligned with the EU’s flagship IRIS² satellite constellation, which aims to deploy 290 satellites by 2030 to provide secure, resilient, and sovereign connectivity.

Starlink has made remarkable strides in Europe, with significant performance improvements and market penetration, but faces growing competition from EU-backed initiatives and other global players. The EU’s push for a European satellite network is not merely a technological endeavor but a critical component of the broader European tech sovereignty trend, aiming to reduce vulnerabilities from external dependencies and enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy in space and digital infrastructure.

The EU’s approach integrates regulatory excellence, technological innovation, and geopolitical strategy, positioning Europe as a leader in space governance that balances privacy protection, security, and competitiveness. The successful execution of these initiatives will be crucial for Europe’s long-term resilience and digital independence.

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Written by 

LarsGoran Bostrom

Developer of SOE Wellness Community and Expert of Data Ethics and Developer/Author of the Course: Data Ethics – Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Emerging Technologies and helping businesses and other organisations to Re-Digitalise with European Products and Services

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Sources: European Commission Press Corner (May 2026), Reuters, Euronews, SpaceNews, Light Reading, SpaceRISE Consortium.

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