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Press release · September 8, 2026 · techblog.comsoc.org

European network operators in talks to form consortium to bid for EU satellite spectrum and provide D2M service

Summary

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone Group, and Telefónica were reported to be in preliminary discussions about forming a consortium to bid for EU-reserved satellite spectrum and to launch a direct-to-mobile service.

The European Union is planning an assignment for a 2 GHz mobile-satellite service band as part of its spectrum framework for European-controlled access, with band capacity also tied to IRIS²-related use.

The draft framework describes a three-way split of the band: one-third for governmental/IRIS² use, one-third reserved for EU-controlled commercial operators, and one-third open to international bidders. The direct-to-mobile integration is described as aligning with 3GPP Release 17 and Release 18 radio and protocol baseline for bands n255/n256 (and n254), though the specifications were stated as not yet approved ITU-R SG 4 (WP 4b & 4c) recommendations.

The reported discussions involved targeting the EU-operator portion of the commercial allocation, with majority European control required under the proposed rules. The report also stated no final decision had been made on forming the consortium or submitting a bid.

Our summary. The original keeps its own byline.

Read the original on techblog.comsoc.org

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