On October 19, 2026, Expansión reported that U.S. Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder warned of potentially devastating consequences for European companies if the bloc proceeded with its satellite-spectrum plans. The European Commission has proposed a new selection process for the 2 GHz band; the proposal is not a completed spectrum award.
The dispute centers on who could use spectrum for mobile-satellite services, including direct-to-device (D2D) connections between satellites and devices. The Commission’s proposal would establish an EU-level process for selecting providers.
What the Commission proposed
On May 27, 2026, the Commission adopted a proposal for a selection procedure covering the harmonized 2 GHz mobile-satellite-services (MSS) band. The Commission says the plan would replace the 2008 decision, which expires in May 2027, and support consistent authorization across EU member states and cross-border services. Its announcement identifies D2D, commercial communications, security and defense as relevant uses. (Commission announcement; proposal details)
The reported stakes for Starlink and European operators
Expansión described three proposed lots: one for government and defense communications, one for a European D2D provider, and one for commercial providers of any nationality. The publication also quoted the Commission as saying the proposal would remain open to operators from outside the EU.
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone and Telefónica announced a joint venture seeking the proposed European D2D allocation, according to Expansión. The report said the venture planned to begin service in 2029 and initially contract a provider with existing capacity. That 2029 date is the consortium’s reported target.
Expansión also reported that SpaceX criticized the proposal and warned it could worsen Starlink connectivity in Ukraine. That is the company’s stated concern about a possible effect of the proposed allocation.
