The European Satellite Telecommunications Regulatory Framework for Broadband Communications

By its nature, the satellite sector is the most “pan-European” of all communications infrastructures and services. Unlike any terrestrial network, satellite networks can provide coverage to all parts of Europe. This strength of satellite networks, nonetheless, creates a great regulatory challenge. Due to wide satellite coverage, operators depend on harmonized spectrum allocations. The services that the operators provide depend on authorizations and spectrum allocations in each country of the planned coverage area. Frequency use, network operations, service provision and the use of radio terminal can be considered as the main elements which have been the target of a number of regulatory measures (licensing conditions and procedures) meant to help the development of satellite telecommunications and facilitate market access to satellite providers. This paper gives an overview of satellite regulatory framework in the European Union looking more particularly into measures for satellite licensing and authorizations adopted by the Italian administration.