An overview of the law and regulation of mobile satellite services—EU

Produced in partnership with Joanne Wheeler of Alden Legal

Practice notes

An overview of the law and regulation of mobile satellite services—EU

Produced in partnership with Joanne Wheeler of Alden Legal

Practice notes

This Practice Note sets out the legal and regulatory regime governing mobile satellite services (MSS) in the EU.

The main communications satellite services are:

•
MSS
•
fixed satellite service, and
•
broadcast satellite service

In general, currently, at EU level, the legal and regulatory framework for each service is aligned in relation to obtaining access to spectrum (although the services may use different spectrum bands) and when seeking to obtain a launch and operations licence. This Practice Note focuses on the law and regulation of MSS at European level. For more information on the law and regulation of MSS in the UK, see Practice Note: An overview of the law and regulation of mobile satellite services—UK.

What are mobile satellite services?

Systems providing MSS use spectrum to provide high-speed communications between satellites and mobile Earth stations (including terminals on ships or cars), or handheld mobile terminals. Such services may include high-speed internet access to television and radio, public protection and disaster relief communications and telecommunications.

MSS systems may be integrated with complementary