What has happened?

The European Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation establishing the EU secure connectivity programme for the period 2023-2027 (‘the Program’).

Why this is important?

The Program is a key new initiative of the European Commission for 2022, especially given ongoing geopolitical and military developments. The objective of the program is to develop, build and operate a multi-orbital (LEO, GEO and MEO) space-based high-speed connectivity system, with an estimated total cost of €6 billion (and an EU contribution of €2.4 billion for 2023-2027, coming from various public funding programs, the rest from different sources, including ESA contributions), that will ensure:

  • worldwide uninterrupted access to secure and cost-effective satellite communication services and 
  • commercial services by the private sector such as high-speed broadband and seamless connectivity throughout Europe and possibly Africa and Arctic.

Initial development and deployment could start as of 2023, provision of initial services by 2025 and full deployment by 2028. 

What is in it for you?

The Program shall: 

  • leverage the NewSpace industry, including by an indicator of performance based on the number of NewSpace companies involved
  • cover  the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative
  • include the construction of the initial ground infrastructure and for the launch of the initial space infrastructure 
  • involve launch of the space assets by a launch service provider that complies with certain conditions and, where possible, from the territory of the EU Member States (with possibly a role for microlaunchers) 
  • include the centres belonging to the ground governmental infrastructure and 
  • cover relevant matters including technology transfer and frequency allocations.

The roles of the main actors, including the Member States, the European Commission, EUSPA and ESA are defined. 

Next steps

The draft Regulation will be reviewed by the Council and the European Parliament. Industry should in our view use policy channels such as trade associations to seek to be involved in such discussions.