The association calls for consistency in the regulation faced by its members and by those with whom they will increasingly compete
A new playbook lends policymakers a hand in developing satellite-centric regulation
On 23 June 2026, in London, Assembly participated in a roundtable on satellite regulation hosted by the GSMA. Attendees discussed how the next wave of satellite connectivity is reshaping regulatory frameworks and the approaches that could ensure that the full benefits of the technology are realised by consumers, businesses and societies worldwide. The event also offered a preview of the association’s new Satellite Regulatory Playbook, which has been designed to provide governments with a practical guide on how to modernise satellite regulation in order to support societal needs, protect consumers and encourage network investment. The playbook focuses on emerging satellite broadband and direct-to-device (D2D) services, which providers deliver directly to end users without mobile operator partnerships. According to the GSMA, this is where current regulatory frameworks often leave gaps. In contrast, where operators are involved, existing regulation typically provides sufficient safeguards.
Eight regulatory pillars seeks to build on the five principles presented at MWC26
Michaela Angonius (Head of Policy & Regulation, GSMA) initiated the morning’s conversation, explaining how the new guidance is underpinned by the GSMA’s policy principles of transparency, regulatory parity, harmonisation, collaboration and balanced innovation. The application of these five principles to satellite was discussed at a similar roundtable at MWC Barcelona in March 2026, although as Angonius pointed out, the association’s engagement with the issue and with global policymakers dates back further than both events. The playbook builds on the principles, identifying eight regulatory pillars that policymakers should consider when developing frameworks for satellite services:
Local establishment rules and compliance with foreign ownership regulation;
National security, including compliance with data governance rules;
Consumer protection and operational measures, such as pricing, quality and complaints handling obligations;
Infrastructure and facility requirements relating to international connectivity, traffic routing and cross-border gateways;
End user terminal deployment obligations to ensure safety and prevent interference;
Fiscal considerations – i.e. applying the same regulatory fees and taxes as those faced by terrestrial operators;
Emergency services access to ensure consistent public safety outcomes; and
Enforcement of regulation, with credible and comparable penalties.
Nitin Sapra (Director, Regulatory Advocacy, GSMA) added that the principles and playbook have been detailed discussions with members and policymakers, and reflect a mix of “traditional regulatory issues” and new areas – e.g. around infrastructure and end user terminals – that are specific to satellite companies. He indicated that the latter, alongside protections for consumers and national security, were stressed by policymakers at MWC as being especially important.
In some instances, consumers see satellite and certain types of terrestrial connectivity as one and the same
Operator representatives gave their perspectives on the playbook and the rapidly evolving satellite sector, with Rahul Vatts (Chief Regulatory Officer, Bharti Airtel) highlighting the need for collaboration between non-terrestrial and terrestrial players to reach unconnected areas – reflecting the GSMA’s own recognition that no single type of technology will be able to meet all of society’s long-term communications needs. Mark Silber (Group Executive Regulatory Affairs, MTN) was, however, mindful that although satellite providers were showing to be “incredibly valuable partners” for telecoms operators in connecting rural households, they are also competitors. Stating that the sector is in no way trying to deflect from this fact, nor is it trying to “block” market entry, Silber underlined operators’ expectation that low earth orbit (LEO) satellite services should play by similar rules, particularly in respect of consumer protection. Assembly questioned the receptiveness of policymakers to the principle of regulatory parity between satellite and traditional telecoms services, which Angonius considered a potentially easier argument to make and understand than the long-standing push for a ‘same service, same rules’ approach in the context of the services offered by operators relative to big tech. She also referenced research from Netflix of 100m households across 85 countries, which found that consumers considered fixed satellite services to be equivalent to terrestrial xDSL and fixed wireless access (FWA) – although presumably not full fibre. According to the playbook, regulatory regimes should be technology-neutral and focused on delivering consistent (positive) outcomes for end users, regardless of how services are provided.
Spectrum policy was notably, but perhaps understandably, absent from discussions
Assembly also enquired as to how the principle of harmonisation (i.e. the alignment of regional and international policies) fits with the playbook’s decision not to seek to advocate a more one-size-fits-all approach to satellite across countries. Here, Angonius did not see the principle and the playbook as being contradictory, recognising that regulatory frameworks vary significantly around the world, with the satellite market at different stages of development. The playbook therefore aims to provide a blueprint for policymakers to craft flexible frameworks adapted to national priorities, while contributing to reducing fragmentation and encouraging regulatory efficiency. Given how contentious the matter is, it was somewhat surprising not to see spectrum policy feature as a core component; however, this was addressed by both Angonius and Ross Bateson (Senior Director, Spectrum Strategy, GSMA). Angonius noted recent developments in spectrum assignments and acquisitions of spectrum holders, which if the issue was included would risk quickly making the playbook out of date. In Bateson’s view, the recommendations presented are no different to what the GSMA is arguing for with regards to spectrum – i.e. that regulation establishes a “fair competition platform”, with spectrum used most effectively and efficiently to the ultimate benefit of consumers.
