SpaceX has launched a strong critique against a European Union plan that would limit its access to satellite spectrum, warning the proposal risks degrading the quality of satellite communications in Ukraine. Since Russia's full-scale invasion, the Starlink service has been a critical backbone for Ukrainian connectivity.
A document from SpaceX obtained by media and submitted to EU officials states, "The proposal is likely to result in one of two outcomes: either preventing the deployment of direct-to-cell satellite services in Europe, or new European satellite networks causing harmful global interference, which would also impact emergency communications and other services in Ukraine."
Currently, the 2GHz frequency band in question is primarily used by two American companies, Viasat and EchoStar.
SpaceX argues that the EU's proposal unfairly prioritizes a company's place of registration over economic, technical, and regulatory realities.
The proposal was unveiled as EU Digital Commissioner Hanna Vernikonen defended the bloc's local-first policy, stating the EU aims to "strengthen the European satellite industry" while noting other parts of the spectrum remain open to foreign companies.
Sources involved in consultations on the plan revealed that some EU officials are deliberately seeking to constrain the Starlink platform, owned by Elon Musk.
The EU's move follows a prior warning from the United States.
In March of this year, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cautioned that it would take retaliatory measures if the EU allocated spectrum in a way that favored European satellite operators and discriminated against U.S. companies like Starlink.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr told media at the time, "Some of the rhetoric around European satellite sovereignty is concerning to us. If Europe moves forward with this proposal, we will be forced to consider reciprocal measures."
The European Commission's proposal still requires negotiation and finalization with EU member states and the European Parliament.
A source close to SpaceX indicated that several companies and a number of European governments have expressed concerns about the plan, and the company remains hopeful it can still push for policy adjustments.
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