New document recommends developing adaptive and proportionate regulatory frameworks for direct-to-user LEO satellite services
March 3, 2026, Barcelona: A new era of satellite services, enabled by low Earth orbit constellations, requires a new approach to regulation around the world, according to a position paper published today by the GSMA, the global organization representing mobile operators.
The document, 'Regulatory Preparedness for Satellite Services', urges policymakers to take proactive measures to modernize regulatory frameworks and outlines five guiding principles to promote innovation, ensure consistent user protection across technologies, safeguard essential public interest needs, support investment in communications networks and build consumer confidence.
LEO satellite constellations are reshaping the way services are delivered and expanding connectivity to underserved communities. However, regulatory approaches to these emerging services (when provided without partnership with mobile operators) remain uneven and, in many markets, underdeveloped. In many countries, existing frameworks are not designed for these new models, creating uncertainty for all communications providers, investors and consumers.
The paper argues that now is the right time for policymakers to refine regulations while deployments are still in their early stages. Aligning standards with technological changes will allow timely and effective access to the market and safeguard the interests of consumers and society.
John Giusti, chief regulatory officer at the GSMA, said: “As LEO satellite services advance rapidly, they are transforming global connectivity, expanding coverage to underserved communities, strengthening resilience, and enabling new D2D services. A growing number of partnerships between mobile and satellite service providers are accelerating innovation and improving the overall connectivity experience for users.
As these capabilities increase, governments increasingly consider the need for greater regulatory alignment. Establishing comparable requirements for mobile and satellite service providers providing similar services will help ensure ongoing consumer protection, support long-term sustainable investment in communications networks and safeguard national sovereignty, while delivering greater value, quality and trust to users.”
The GSMA document comes as new satellites are launched and operators expand into new markets and services. As LEO constellations grow rapidly, forward-thinking regulatory frameworks will be essential to maximize the potential benefits of these new technologies.
Five basic principles to guide regulatory frameworks
The document establishes five basic principles to guide the development of modern regulatory frameworks:
- Transparency and Predictability:Establish clear, consistent and accessible rules for market entry, so that both new entrants to the satellite sector and existing mobile operators can make safe, long-term investment decisions together.
- Regulatory parity:Maintain a level playing field by ensuring that satellite providers face the same legal and regulatory obligations as mobile operators.
- Harmonization: Align national policies with regional and international standards to reduce regulatory fragmentation, making it easier and more efficient for global satellite constellations to operate across borders.
- Collaboration and consultation: Maintain an open dialogue between governments, regulators and industry to ensure that new policies are evidence-based, inclusive of all stakeholders and reflect current market realities.
- Balance innovation with regulation:Support technological growth while ensuring that satellite operators comply with vital national interests, such as consumer protection, data privacy, and national security safeguards.
Read the full report here.
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About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver critical innovation for positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members three broad pillars: connectivity for good, industry services and solutions, and outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, addressing today's biggest societal challenges, supporting the technology and interoperability that make mobile devices work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
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