A new era of Satellite services, enabled by Low-Earth-Orbit constellations, requires a fresh approach to regulation worldwide, according to a position paper by the GSMA, the global organisation representing mobile operators.

The paper, ‘Regulatory Preparedness for Satellite services’, urges policymakers to take proactive steps to modernise regulatory frameworks and outlines five guiding principles to promote innovation, ensure consistent user protection across technologies, safeguard essential public-interest needs, support investment across communications networks, and build consumer trust.

LEO satellite constellations are reshaping how 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 communication 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 rules with technological shifts will enable timely and effective market access and safeguard consumer and societal interests.

Chief Regulatory Officer of the GSMA, John Giusti, said: “As LEO satellite services rapidly advance, 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 providers is accelerating innovation and enhancing the overall connectivity experience for users.

As these capabilities scale, governments are increasingly considering the need for greater regulatory alignment. Establishing comparable requirements for mobile and satellite providers delivering similar services will help ensure consistent consumer protection, support sustainable long-term investment across communications networks, and safeguard national sovereignty — all while delivering greater value, quality, and trust for users.”

The GSMA paper comes at a time when new satellites are being launched, and operators are expanding into new markets and services. As LEO constellations scale rapidly, forward-looking regulatory frameworks will be essential to maximise the potential benefits of these new technologies.

The paper sets out five core principles to guide the development of modern regulatory frameworks:

For transparency and predictability, GSMA said there is a need to establish clear, consistent, and accessible rules for market entry so that both new satellite entrants and existing mobile operators can make confident, long-term investment decisions together.

Regulatory Parity: There is a need to maintain a level playing field by ensuring that satellite providers face the same legal and regulatory obligations as mobile operators.

Harmonisation: According to GSMA, national policies should align 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: The body stressed the importance of maintaining an open dialogue between governments, regulators, and the industry to ensure that new policies are evidence-based, inclusive of all stakeholders and reflect current market realities.

Balance Innovation with Regulation: GSMA called for technological growth while ensuring satellite operators comply with vital national interests, such as consumer protection, data privacy and national security safeguards.

Meanwhile, SpaceX Starlink has mulled plans to deploy its next generation of mobile connectivity satellites to deliver full cellular coverage, including 5G capability, directly to smartphones.

Specifically, the Elon Musk-owned firm said its upcoming Starlink Mobile V2 satellites will power what it describes as the highest-performing satellite-to-mobile network built so far, enabling users to connect seamlessly to mobile networks from virtually anywhere.

Through its website, the firm said the system is expected to complement terrestrial mobile networks and could significantly expand coverage in rural and underserved regions, including Nigeria, where connectivity gaps remain wide.