Secure and fast Internet access via satellites for the European Union

The EU Commission has presented a proposal for a regulation on space-based secure connectivity via satellite technology. The initiative, which was presented in February 2022, provides for two central cornerstones. Firstly, the project aims to establish uninterrupted global access to secure and cost-effective satellite communication services to support the security of critical infrastructure and applications of major importance to the economy, security and defense of Member States. Secondly, commercial services are to be provided by the private sector via the satellite system, which will enable reliable and fast Internet access throughout Europe in the future. In particular, the project aims to eliminate gaps in existing communications coverage and thus implement one of the central objectives of the Digital Decade 2030 proposal. The total cost of the project is estimated at around EUR 6 billion. The European Union’s contribution to the program in the period between 2022 and 2027 amounts to 2.4 billion euros. The total funding comes from various public sector sources (EU budget, Member States, contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA)) and private sector investment. Further information on the initiation of an EU satellite-based connectivity system can be found in the European Commission’s FAQ on “Secure Connectivity”.