LoRa Alliance secures ECC approval for satellite communications

Members of the LoRa Alliance® and European regulators achieved a milestone with the approval of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) Decision DEC(25)021. This decision facilitates satellite-to-low power device communications within the 862-870MHz frequency band, paving the way for expanded Internet of Things (IoT) applications throughout Europe.

The Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) confirmed this regulatory framework, allowing satellite systems to communicate with low-power devices. The approval stemmed from collaborative efforts over several years, primarily involving the LoRa Alliance and European regulatory bodies. The new guidelines are expected to support innovations in various sectors including logistics, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

Alper Yegin, CEO of the LoRa Alliance, noted the importance of maintaining accessible frequency bands for the development of technologies based on the LoRaWAN standard. “It is validating to have a formal regulatory framework in place to guide future deployments,” Yegin said, expressing gratitude towards the alliance members for their advocacy efforts.

Highlights of this decision include the harmonization of satellite-to-low power device communications in the specified band and provisions for the coexistence of existing terrestrial users. The regulatory framework also opens pathways for additional non-terrestrial network (Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)) deployments.

Chris Seifert, ECC Chairwoman, emphasized that this regulatory approval enhances low-power connectivity options, particularly in remote areas. Olivier Beaujard, Chair of the LoRa Alliance Regulatory Working Group, acknowledged the decision as a significant opportunity for deploying LoRaWAN applications independent of geographic constraints and existing infrastructure.

A webinar hosted by the LoRa Alliance is scheduled for September 11, 2025, to discuss the implications of the ECC decision for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) LoRaWAN and its benefits to members.