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European Telcos to Get Unlimited Radio Spectrum Under EU Draft Law

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Europe’s telecom operators are set to gain long-term certainty under a new European Commission proposal that would allow radio spectrum licences to be used for an unlimited duration, marking a major shift in the bloc’s telecom policy. The draft law, known as the Digital Networks Act, is part of a broader overhaul of telecom rules that will require approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.

Under the proposal, spectrum licences would become renewable by default, replacing the current minimum 20-year term. The Commission said the move would increase predictability and encourage investment across the 27-country European Union, particularly as it pursues full fibre broadband coverage between 2030 and 2035. A senior official described unlimited spectrum licensing as a strong signal that the sector is worth sustained investment.

EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen said resilient digital infrastructure is critical to Europe’s competitiveness, innovation, and digital sovereignty. The Commission will also outline common rules on licence duration, auction conditions, and pricing to guide national regulators.

However, the proposal stopped short of meeting telecom operators’ long-standing demand that Big Tech contribute directly to network rollout costs. Instead, the Act introduces a voluntary cooperation mechanism between telecom groups and major platforms such as Google, Netflix, and Meta Platforms. Governments may also be allowed to extend the 2030 deadline for replacing copper networks with fibre if more time is needed.

FCC to End EchoStar 5G Probe After $40 Billion in Spectrum Deals with SpaceX and AT&T

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will close its investigation into EchoStar’s 5G buildout obligations, following the company’s recent spectrum sales to SpaceX and AT&T worth a combined $40 billion.

FCC’s decision

  • FCC Chair Brendan Carr said in a letter to EchoStar Chair Charles Ergen that the agency would conclude EchoStar has met its 5G obligations.

  • Carr called the outcome a “potential game changer” for American consumers, freeing up spectrum and injecting new competition into the wireless market.

  • EchoStar’s Boost Mobile brand, which lost 2 million customers in recent years, had been seen as providing limited competitive pressure.

Spectrum sales

  • $17B deal with SpaceX: Enables Starlink Direct-to-Cell services with upgraded satellites.

  • $23B deal with AT&T: Provides AT&T with 50 MHz of nationwide mid- and low-band spectrum.

Background

  • EchoStar was under probe for slow 5G deployment and potential “warehousing” of spectrum.

  • SpaceX had previously pressed the FCC to review EchoStar’s holdings.

  • The FCC’s move confirms EchoStar’s exclusive rights to key spectrum blocks for ground and satellite use.

Political backdrop

  • In June, President Donald Trump encouraged EchoStar and the FCC to resolve disputes over its wireless spectrum licenses.

  • The transactions with SpaceX and AT&T still require final FCC approval.

Industry impact

Carr said the deals could reshape the wireless market:

“The status quo wasn’t working. We have a chance now to do something different … this is much more competitive.”