The European Commission has proposed a new Regulation establishing a single EU-wide procedure for selecting and authorising operators of mobile satellite services (MSS) using the harmonised 2 GHz frequency band, repealing the existing Decision No 626/2008/EC. The proposal, dated 25 June 2026 and received by the Council on 28 May 2026 (COM(2026) 311 final), is scheduled for examination at the Council meeting on 2 July 2026.
The proposed Regulation aims to streamline and update the authorisation process for MSS systems in the 2 GHz band, which is currently governed by the 2008 Decision. The Commission will be responsible for implementing the new procedure, which applies to all operators providing mobile satellite services within the EU using this band. The proposal seeks to replace the existing framework with a more efficient, harmonised approach, reducing administrative burdens and fostering competition in the satellite services market.
The proposal directly affects operators of mobile satellite services in the 2 GHz band, who will face a single EU-wide authorisation procedure instead of potentially divergent national processes. This could reduce compliance costs and simplify market access. National regulatory authorities will see their role diminished as the Commission takes on the central authorisation role. EU consumers may benefit from increased competition and potentially lower prices or improved services. The repeal of the 2008 Decision removes the previous legal framework, requiring operators to adapt to new rules.
The Council will examine the proposal at its meeting on 2 July 2026, after which it will be forwarded to the European Parliament for consideration under the ordinary legislative procedure. The Commission's proposal marks the first step in a legislative process expected to take several months.