The new guidance provides practical recommendations for regulators seeking to create harmonized, technology-neutral satellite frameworks that prioritize social needs, consumer protection and sustainable investment.
June 24, 2026, London: The GSMA today launched its new Satellite regulatory guidea practical guide designed to assist policyThose responsible develop clear, consistent and future-proof policy frameworks for the rapidly evolving satellite connectivity sector.
As low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services expand globally and begin to complement land mobile and broadband networks, the Playbook provides governments with a structured framework to modernize satellite regulation in a way that supports the needs of society, protects consumers and encourages investment in the next generation of communications networks.
Developed in collaboration with the Access Partnership, the Playbook focuses on emerging direct-to-device (D2D) and satellite broadband services delivered directly to end users without partnerships with mobile operators, where existing regulatory frameworks often leave gaps. Where mobile operators are involved, existing regulations often provide sufficient safeguards. The handbook offers practical guidance that policymakers can adapt to their national circumstances. It is designed to support technology-neutral regulation while promoting greater consistency in regulatory outcomes across markets.
The GSMA emphasizes that no single connectivity technology can meet all of society's long-term communications needs. Instead, resilient and inclusive digital societies require multiple forms of connectivity that work together, including mobile, fixed and satellite networks. Regulatory frameworks must therefore evolve to address all connectivity services consistently, ensuring that users receive comparable protections and benefits, regardless of how services are provided.
Michaela Angonius, Director of Policy and Regulation at GSMA, said: “As satellite connectivity becomes an increasingly important part of the global communications landscape, policymakers have the opportunity to create regulatory frameworks that are fit for the future. The Satellite Regulatory Playbook offers policymakers practical guidance to create frameworks that protect people, ensure law enforcement can always do their job, attract investment across the communications sector, and keep pace with innovation..”
“Connectivity is not a choice between terrestrial and satellite networks. Meeting the needs of citizens, businesses and governments requires a diverse and complementary connectivity ecosystem. Therefore, regulation must be technology neutral and focus on delivering consistent outcomes for consumers and society, regardless of how services are provided.”
The Playbook identifies eight key regulatory pillars that policymakers should consider when developing or modernizing frameworks for satellite services:
- Local establishment rules
- Consumer protection and operational measures
- Infrastructure and facility requirements.
- Implementation of end user terminals
- Emergency services and public safety.
The guide is based on the GSMA principles of transparency, regulatory parity, harmonization, collaboration and balanced innovation. Together, these principles aim to support regulatory certainty, encourage investment, strengthen consumer confidence and promote fair competition across the broader connectivity ecosystem.
Recognizing that regulatory frameworks vary significantly between countries, the Manual does not prescribe a one-size-fits-all model. Rather, it provides a flexible framework that regulators can adapt to national priorities while helping to reduce fragmentation and promote greater international alignment.
As satellite services continue to evolve and expand, the GSMA believes that forward-thinking and harmonized regulatory approaches will be essential to unlocking the full benefits of next-generation connectivity for consumers, businesses and societies around the world.
the complete Satellite regulatory guide It is available at the GSMA.
-ENDS-
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.
We invite you to learn more at gsma.com
Media contacts
GSMA Press Office
press [email protected]
