Several of the frequency licences that Arcep issued for the operation of mobile satellite services will be expiring in the coming years. The reassignment of the associated spectrum carries strategic consequences for the sector, including investments in satellite systems, competition, regional digital development, and innovation.
A public consultation on the assignment of L-band frequencies for the operation of mobile satellite services (MSS) will be held until 21 November 2025.
Arcep is launching a public consultation to gather feedback from stakeholders on their L-band spectrum needs, to then prepare the procedure and conditions for the reassignment of those frequencies.
Licences to use frequencies in the 1518 – 1559 MHz, 1610 – 1660.5 MHz, 1670 – 1675 MHz and 2483.5 – 2500 MHz bands, referred to as the “L band”, are set to expire between 2027 and 2030. These MSS networks have historically been used to develop satellite-based telephone and internet access services in regions where terrestrial networks were either insufficient or unavailable. New development prospects have begun to emerge for satellite services in recent years, notably with the deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the introduction of Direct-to-Device (D2D) mobile satellite solutions.
The purpose of this public consultation is to inform Arcep’s actions, with a view to reassigning L-band spectrum resources. At a time of both technological and industrial advances for mobile satellite services, this consultation also aims to anticipate how these assignments will affect the mobile connectivity market.
To this end, Arcep wants to query all of the affected stakeholders on the issues surrounding the supply and use of mobile satellite services, particularly with a view to ensuring the efficient management of the spectrum involved, regional digital development and fair and effective competition in the sector.
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