Regulating satellite connectivity across different operating models

Satellite connectivity is becoming more capable and more integrated with different forms of terrestrial networks, creating potential for new services and business models. Satellite supports wholesale capacity and backhaul, managed services for enterprise and government customers, broadcasting and direct connectivity to end users. It is particularly important in underserved areas and for critical services, including land, maritime and aviation applications. 

Advances in constellation design and standardisation are enabling standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly to satellites. However, satellite networks have coverage capabilities, architectures and cost structures that differ from those of terrestrial networks. They are designed to serve multiple markets and regions, while terrestrial regulation is predominantly national and may assume domestically located infrastructure, information or technical capabilities that are not relevant to satellite networks. 

This report, prepared independently by Analysys Mason on behalf of GSOA, identifies five broad satellite connectivity operating models and examines their different regulatory implications. It explains why regulation should account for the capabilities and architecture of satellite technology, the provider’s role and scale of activity, and the allocation of responsibilities between satellite operators and local partners. 

The report recommends that national authorities assess whether proposed measures are necessary, possible to comply with, proportionate and well-balanced. This approach would allow authorities to secure regulatory outcomes without duplicating existing obligations, requiring technically infeasible solutions or imposing burdens that do not reflect the satellite operator’s role and scale. It would also preserve satellite connectivity’s contribution to coverage, resilience and public safety.