The United States has issued a stark warning to the European Union over proposed regulations that could limit access to radio spectrum for non-European satellite operators, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its Starlink network, according to the Financial Times.
Andrew Puzder, the US ambassador to the EU, told the newspaper that Washington would not rule out retaliatory measures if Brussels proceeds with restrictions that would disadvantage American companies. The diplomat reportedly threatened “catastrophic retaliatory actions” if the proposals become law.
The controversy centres on the Digital Networks Act (DNA), a legislative package proposed by the European Commission in January. Under the current draft, portions of the radio spectrum that allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites would be reserved exclusively for European entities. The move would affect firms from China and the United States, particularly SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite internet service.
Ambassador warns against protectionism
When asked by the Financial Times to comment, Puzder argued that European companies “will not become more competitive simply because you limit the competitiveness of American firms.” The ambassador questioned whether weakening US competitiveness was a legitimate aim for such legislation.
“If the goal is to weaken US competitiveness, then I believe that is not a justified objective for this type of legislation,” Puzder said, according to Bankier.pl, which reported on the interview. He urged Brussels and Washington to join forces to compete with China in the race for artificial intelligence development rather than limiting the dominance of American corporations.
The US diplomat warned that European entities “should watch out” because the consequences of adopting the proposed rules “would be extremely painful for them.”
Ukraine connectivity at stake
SpaceX has also weighed in on the debate, warning that implementing the European Commission’s proposal “could worsen the quality of connectivity in Ukraine.” The Financial Times noted that since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Starlink has played a crucial role in both civilian and military communications across Ukraine.
According to European Commission officials, the Digital Networks Act is one of several initiatives designed to increase the EU’s technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on American technologies. Brussels has framed the package as an “incentive to diversify suppliers within the EU while maintaining openness to entities from outside the bloc.”
In his comments, Puzder acknowledged that Europe “has the right to protect sensitive government information,” but cautioned against “using regulations to favour domestic enterprises at the expense of American competitors.”
What this means for Poles in the UK
For Polish residents in Britain, the standoff between Washington and Brussels over satellite spectrum rules could have practical implications for connectivity services, though the UK is no longer bound by EU legislation following Brexit. Starlink has been expanding its coverage across the United Kingdom, offering high-speed internet to rural and remote areas where traditional broadband is limited or unavailable.
If the EU proceeds with restrictions and the US follows through on retaliatory measures, the resulting trade friction could affect technology pricing and availability across Europe more broadly, potentially influencing market dynamics in the UK as well. Polish users who rely on Starlink for internet access in underserved areas, or who have family in Poland considering the service, should monitor how the dispute develops.
The Digital Networks Act still requires approval from the European Parliament and member states before it can take effect. Those with business or family ties to Poland should be aware that any eventual restrictions on non-EU satellite operators could limit connectivity options for users in Poland, particularly in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is weak.
