Orange Wholesale CEO Michaël Trabbia has warned Europe needs to move faster to close the growing gap with the US in satellite connectivity.
In a blog post on LinkedIn, Trabbia claimed Europe’s traditional industrial and procurement models are struggling to keep pace with rapid technological change.
His comments come as the rise of SpaceX and its Starlink constellation has lowered the barriers to deploying large numbers of satellites in low-Earth orbit, while reusable launch vehicles have made access to space faster and more affordable.
However, for Europe, he argues, the challenge is not a lack of expertise or industrial capability. Rather, it is the speed at which the sector can turn that expertise into new products and services.
In the translated blog post, he wrote: “The principle of “geographical return”- which once helped unite nations and preserve expertise across multiple countries- has become a liability when faced with SpaceX’s agile, integrated model.
“Our programs continue to move at the pace of tenders and specifications finalised four or five years before the launch of a service intended to last a decade. This model no longer works against competitors who refresh their technology generations every two to three years.”
He added: “Let us be realistic: Europe’s lag is an established fact. Yet, several recent decisions show that a turnaround is now possible. The agreement reached this summer regarding IRIS² has resolved the uncertainty.
“The project now has a budget, a schedule, leadership, and its first customers. Europe’s future dual-use constellation is beginning to take shape. It will provide ultra-secure, sovereign communications for government services, as well as high-speed connectivity for businesses and citizens.”
Another opportunity is emerging through direct-to-device satellite connectivity, which could extend mobile services into areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
He continued: “Another innovation is “Direct-to-Device” technology, which now makes it possible to connect smartphones via satellite- maintaining connectivity even in “dead zones.”
“Initially, this enables text messaging, but it will extend to voice calls and, gradually, internet access. This is a major strategic issue, particularly regarding access to frequencies,” he said.
As a result, for the first time, Europe plans to reserve a portion of these essential resources for European players, he added.
Trabbia added that this is not about excluding foreign operators, but about ensuring Europe has the opportunity to develop its own capabilities.
“The goal is not to ban foreign constellations, but to create the opportunity for a homegrown solution to emerge, thereby avoiding a de facto monopoly and the associated strategic risks,” he noted.
“This evolution is within our reach. In the defence sector, urgency is already driving manufacturers to shorten lead times and collaborate more closely with young companies. The space sector calls for a similar mobilisation.”
He concluded: “Europe currently possesses the frequencies, the expertise, and an initial joint project to regain the initiative.”
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