Regulatory Preparedness for Satellite Services

Satellite communications are undergoing a major transformation, driven by the rapid deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. These systems, enabled by advances in technology and more efficient cost structures, are redefining expectations around performance, scalability and service delivery.

With these new types of services in an early—but rapidly developing—stage of deployment, now is the right opportunity for regulators to proactively develop a robust and adaptive framework that reflects the evolving satellite business models, supports innovation and fair market access and promotes broader public benefits of satellite connectivity, while balancing current market dynamics with existing operators.

This paper aims to support policymakers by proposing five core principles to guide the development of regulatory frameworks in cases where new LEO services are offered directly to end users without partnerships with terrestrial operators. This will facilitate fair market access, foster investment, build consumer trust, uphold sustainable competition and help protect core societal needs.

• Principle 1: Transparency and predictability. Ensure clear and transparent regulatory requirements to facilitate efficient market entry and build industry confidence.
• Principle 2: Regulatory parity. Allow for equitable treatment of sectoral laws and regulations across all service providers.
• Principle 3: Harmonisation. Align regional and international policies to reduce fragmentation and enhance regulatory efficiency.
• Principle 4: Collaboration and consultation. Strengthen dialogue among governments, regulators and industry stakeholders for informed and inclusive policymaking.
• Principle 5: Balance innovation with regulation. Encourage technological progress while maintaining compliance, consumer protection and national security to build trust.