Government outlines Finland’s position on EU Regulation proposal concerning 2 GHz satellite services

Government outlines Finland's position on EU Regulation proposal concerning 2 GHz satellite services

On 10 September 2026, the Government submitted a communication to Parliament regarding an authorisation for mobile satellite services. Finland considers it important that future regulation ensure the availability of comprehensive satellite services throughout the EU, including the sparsely populated areas.

The European Commission adopted on 27 May 2026 a proposal for a Regulation on the authorisation for mobile satellite services (MSS) in the 2 GHz frequency band. The current EU-wide licences for the 2 GHz band will expire in May 2027. The new Regulation would provide a framework for granting new licences that reflects the technological advances and the changes in the operating environment.

At present, the 2 GHz frequency band in Europe is divided between two US operators into two equal parts. In the Commission proposal, the frequency band would be divided into three parts. One third of the capacity would be dedicated to governmental satellite services. One third would be reserved for an EU operator entering the market and one third would be open for commercial use.

The proposal aims to strengthen EU competitiveness and to provide governmental actors with safe, reliable and comprehensive services particularly in situations where no terrestrial mobile communications networks are available or operational.

Finland stresses the availability of services

A key objective for Finland is to ensure that the terms of future licences guarantee the availability of services from the perspective of the population and geographic coverage. In the Commission proposal, operators would be required to provide services to at least 95 % of the population and at least 90 % of the geographic area. Finland considers it important that services are available especially in sparsely populated northern areas.

Comprehensive satellite connections improve the reliability of communications networks and provide the authorities and people with better access to communications services also in case of emergencies and incidents.

What's next?

EU Member States and the European Parliament will form their positions on the Commission's proposals.

It is the EU's aim to adopt the Regulation by the end of 2026. The current licences granted by the EU for the 2 GHz frequency band will expire in May 2027, and new licences can be granted only after the Regulation has been adopted.

Inquiries:

Sofia Lindbäck, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 165, [email protected]

Lauri Mustonen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 252, [email protected]