FT: SpaceX warns EU satellite spectrum plan could disrupt Ukraine connectivity

SpaceX has warned that the European Union’s plan to reserve parts of a key satellite spectrum band for European operators could undermine satellite connectivity, including in Ukraine where its Starlink service has been widely used since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

In a document shared with European officials and seen by the Financial Times, the company said: “The proposal creates a significant likelihood that Europeans will be left without direct-to-device satellite services or that new European operations will create global interference problems, including to emergency services like those in Ukraine.”

The EU in May proposed reserving part of the so-called 2GHz spectrum band — which enables smartphones to connect directly to satellites — for European firms, a move that would limit access for US and Chinese operators. The band is currently used by two US companies, Viasat and EchoStar.

SpaceX criticised the plan, arguing it favours domestic incorporation over broader technical and regulatory considerations. The company said the EU proposal prioritises “an operator’s country of incorporation above economic, technical and regulatory realities”.

The push comes amid broader transatlantic tensions over satellite communications policy. The European Commission has said the initiative aims to strengthen the bloc’s domestic capabilities while remaining open to international participation in other spectrum segments.

At the time the proposal was announced, EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen defended the approach, saying the bloc wanted to “boost our European capacities in this sector” while keeping parts of the market open.

Some officials involved in the discussions have suggested that parts of the EU are seeking to reduce reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink system.

The proposal followed warnings from Washington. In March, the US Federal Communications Commission said it could respond if European policy disadvantaged US providers. FCC chair Brendan Carr said: “We are concerned by some of the talk around European satellite sovereignty,” and added: “If Europe is going to head down that path, then you know we will be compelled to take, you know, reciprocal action.”

The Commission’s plan still requires agreement from EU member states and the European Parliament. A person close to SpaceX said the company hoped to continue influencing the debate amid concerns raised by industry and several European governments.