Satellite frequencies: US threatens Europe because of Starlink restrictions

Starlink satellite: dispute over radio frequencies

The US threatens European companies with retaliation if the EU restricts market access for American satellite providers. Such steps could be “devastating” for affected companies, Andrew Puzder, the US ambassador to the EU, told the Financial Times. Which countermeasures he means exactly, left Puzder open. He merely referred to the size of the US market.

The threat was triggered by a proposal by the EU Commission to reserve part of the radio spectrum for direct connections between smartphones and satellites for European providers. US and Chinese companies would have fewer frequencies available.

The EU plans also affect Elon Musk’s SpaceX space company, as well as his satellite network Starlink. The company warns that the plans could affect Ukraine’s Internet coverage. Starlink is used there for civilian and military communications.

The radio spectrum plans are part of an EU law on cloud and AI development presented by the European Commission. It aims to empower European technology companies so that they can develop alternatives to the offerings of US technology companies.

Puzder warned against favoring domestic providers at the expense of American competitors. European firms would not become more competitive by weakening US firms, he said.

He also questioned whether the multi-billion-dollar fines imposed by the EU on US tech companies under its Digital Markets Act really served competition. He wondered if they should not above all bring revenue for Europe, said Puzder. He also called for closer cooperation in the technology race with China.

The EU wants to reduce its dependence on American technology. A major reason for this is concerns about the unpredictability of US President Donald Trump and dependence on foreign companies for critical infrastructure.