Cullen International’s new Tracker makes a comparison between the European Commission’s 2 GHz band MSS proposals and the existing framework.

It includes a detailed analysis of the proposed selection procedures, eligibility and ranking criteria, spectrum allocation, fees, licence duration, transfer and leasing rules, transitional arrangements and the legislative process.

Adjusting to new circumstances

The proposed regulation of May 2026 would replace the current framework with a centralised EU process for selecting, authorising and overseeing operators in the band. It would also substantially reshape how the 2 GHz MSS band is allocated, reserving the majority of the spectrum for EU-owned or controlled operators. The existing spectrum rights held by Inmarsat (acquired by Viasat in 2023) and Solaris (acquired by EchoStar in 2014) are due to expire in May 2027.

The proposal reflects growing demand for satellite connectivity, internet-of-things (IoT) and direct-to-device (D2D) services, as well as increased EU focus on security, resilience, technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy. It is also closely linked to the EU-level satellite authorisation framework proposed under the Digital Networks Act (DNA).

Three parallel selection procedures

The draft regulation’s key feature is the introduction of three parallel selection procedures:

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