U.S. Ambassador Warns of Retaliation Over EU Satellite Spectrum Proposal
Andrew Puzder said European businesses could face American retaliation if the EU reserves direct-to-smartphone satellite frequencies for European providers. SpaceX warned the proposal could weaken connectivity in Ukraine; the European Commission said non-EU operators would remain welcome.
U.S. Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder warned that European companies could face “devastating” retaliation from the United States if Brussels limits satellite spectrum access for non-EU firms, including Elon Musk’s ($SPCX) SpaceX. The EU proposal would reserve frequencies used for direct-to-smartphone satellite connections for European providers, restricting access for U.S. and Chinese competitors.
Puzder said the restrictions could prompt damaging U.S. retaliation against European businesses, citing their reliance on the American market. SpaceX warned that the proposal could undermine connectivity in Ukraine, where Starlink supports civilian and military communications. Puzder also criticized EU cloud-sovereignty rules and multibillion-euro technology fines, warning they could deter U.S.
investment. The European Commission said the proposal supports domestic competition while remaining open to non-EU operators. Puzder urged cooperation with the United States against China in AI and quantum computing.