Starlink and Amazon are now eligible to bid for mobile satellite spectrum allocations in the European Union, according to the bloc's spectrum allocation strategy. The move is part of the EU's effort to balance regional autonomy with global competition, a decision that could reshape satellite service dynamics and investment flows.
The two new bidders
Both companies have been cleared to participate in the EU's upcoming spectrum allocation rounds. Starlink, a satellite internet provider, and Amazon, which runs its own satellite internet project, now join other potential bidders for the region's mobile satellite spectrum. Their eligibility reflects a shift in the EU's approach to satellite communications, opening the process to global players.
The EU's balancing act
The EU's spectrum allocation strategy is designed to maintain some degree of regional autonomy while still engaging with international competitors. By letting Starlink and Amazon bid, the EU hopes to encourage competition and attract investment into its satellite ecosystem. The strategy directly affects how satellite services are deployed and funded across the bloc.
What happens next
No timeline for the bidding process has been announced yet. The eligibility of Starlink and Amazon sets the stage for a competitive allocation round, but the specifics of which spectrum bands are on offer and how many licenses will be granted remain unclear. The outcome will determine how quickly mobile satellite services expand in Europe and how much the region relies on non-European operators.
