The European Commission plans to allocate the 2 GHz satellite band through a single EU-wide selection procedure once existing rights expire in 2027. The proposed regulation aims to reserve one-third of the spectrum for governmental, security, and defense use while two-thirds would be dedicated to commercial use.
On May 27, 2026, the European Commission adopted a proposed regulation establishing an EU-level selection procedure for allocating licenses in the 2 GHz mobile satellite services (MSS) band, which is harmonized on a pan-European level. Focusing on Europe’s goals of promoting direct-to-device (D2D) services, technological sovereignty, and resilient digital and defense infrastructure, the proposal would reshape how this strategic band would be allocated across the EU once the current authorizations expire in May 2027. The proposal will proceed through the legislative process in the European Parliament and the Council. The Commission’s budget planning signals potential adoption in late 2027 or 2028, a selection procedure in 2028-2029, and assignment of the new rights in 2029.