Europe picks right fight with Starlink on spectrum
SPCX•Brussels may bar foreign firms, including SpaceX’s Starlink unit, from bidding for most of a planned satellite spectrum sale. The article argues that an EU-controlled space network is a worthwhile sovereignty goal, despite a limited boost for local players.
1. Proposed spectrum restrictions
Brussels may stop foreign firms, including the unit of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, from bidding for most of a planned satellite spectrum sale. The United States opposes the plan, while the boost it would give local players is described as small.
2. European telecom group explores bid
Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica signed a letter of intent on October 19 to explore bidding for the share of the 2 gigahertz band the EU has suggested reserving for a local operator. The group does not plan to invest in its own satellite constellation and would need a satellite partner.
