With a more integrated world, pervasive and guaranteed connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Europe stands at a turning point where satellite policies must be transformed to facilitate a new era of connectivity, ensuring that all its citizens, wherever they are, can benefit from high-speed internet services. It’s not just about creating technology; it’s about digital access, economic growth, and strategic autonomy.
Connectivity in the digital age is the lifeblood of contemporary economies, facilitating everything from online shopping and telemedicine to distance learning and working from home. Yet, enormous gaps in internet availability across the continent remain, specifically between cities and the countryside. While metropolitan hubs frequently boast high-speed fibre-optic connectivity, numerous rural areas are still without steady internet access, slowing down socio-economic progress and deepening the digital gap.
Satellite technology offers a good answer to the gap. Unlike earth-based networks, satellites can reach remote and distant areas without the enormous investments required for terrestrial networks. This can be highly significant in ensuring the complete participation of all Europeans in the digital economy.
IRIS²: Europe’s vision for secure satellite connectivity
Sensing the strategic value of satellite communications, the European Union has initiated the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) program. IRIS² launched a constellation of 290 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits in 2022, which will be completed by 2030 at a cost of approximately 10.6 billion euros. This megaproject will provide secure and robust communication services to government and commercial clients in Europe and the world at large. IRIS² is scheduled to enhance European strategic autonomy in the field of satellite communications, reducing reliance on non-European systems and protecting valuable data. IRIS² will be striving to drive competitiveness and innovation in the European space industry by involving a consortium of European satellite operators and manufacturers in its development and deployment.
One of the early innovations of satellite communications was the innovation of direct-to-device connectivity. Direct-to-device technology enables regular mobile devices to make a direct link with satellites using no specialized equipment. In January 2025, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile made a historic satellite video call using standard smartphones. The accomplishment demonstrates the potential of satellite technology to provide ubiquitous mobile broadband services, especially in areas without terrestrial network coverage.
Policy proposals for a connected Europe
Spectrum sharing must be among the main priorities for European policymakers. Allowing mobile network operators to share with satellite companies can make the quick rollout of direct-to-device services possible. It has been accomplished elsewhere, e.g., in the United States, and could bring about satellite-based mobile broadband more rapidly in Europe. Investment in satellite infrastructure is also a critical component. Development and deployment of advanced satellite constellations, such as IRIS², are required to provide high-speed internet coverage in remote and underserved areas. By investing in these projects, Europe is able to provide digital inclusiveness and economic prosperity.
Regulatory frameworks themselves will have to evolve to allow satellite and ground-based networks to be integrated. Simplifying licensing procedures and ensuring that legislation remains current with technology development will be critical to ensuring market expansion and innovation. Public-private collaboration has to be encouraged to drive innovation and reduce the economic risks of enormous satellite projects. Governments, industry stakeholders, and research entities have to come together to guarantee that public demands and policy objectives are addressed via satellite services. Finally, affordability and accessibility have to be top priorities during policy-making. Satellite services should be made available at competitive rates, and schemes that provide devices and services at low costs for low-income populations need to be encouraged to promote digital inclusion.
