U.S. Envoy Warns EU Spectrum Plan Could Draw U.S. Retaliation

Andrew Puzder, the U.S. ambassador to the EU, said the plan to reserve two-thirds of a satellite band for government services and EU commercial entrants could prompt American retaliation against European companies.

The European Commission proposed dividing the 2 GHz mobile satellite band into three equal parts. One-third would support government communications through an EU operator, another would be reserved for commercial EU entrants, and the last would be open to qualified applicants inside or outside the bloc. SpaceX could seek access to that portion if it meets the conditions; the proposal does not bar non-EU operators outright.

Puzder said possible retaliation “would be very devastating for those companies.” He named no specific U.S. measure or timetable.

The band can support direct satellite-to-phone connections, including in areas without ground-based coverage. In an Oct. 19 announcement, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone said they had signed a letter of intent to explore a joint bid for mobile satellite spectrum. They have not selected a satellite partner.

The European Commission proposed the new authorization framework on May 27, 2026. Existing rights to use the band expire in May 2027.