Europe approves 862-870 MHz band for satellite IoT expansion

The Electronic Communications Committee has approved the use of the 862–870 MHz frequency band for satellite-to-low-power device communications, clearing the path for broader deployment of LoRaWAN-based internet of things (IoT) solutions across Europe.

The decision was formalised during a recent meeting of the ECC, a body of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations. It establishes a regulatory framework for satellite systems communicating with low-power device-satellite (LPD-S) terminals on the ground within the short-range device (SRD) 862-870 MHz band.

According to the LoRa Alliance, which represents organisations supporting the LoRaWAN standard, the approval comes after years of collaboration with European regulators and Alliance members. Previously, the lack of a harmonised regulatory position for satellite-to-device connections using LoRaWAN limited opportunities to extend IoT coverage in Europe, especially in locations without terrestrial connectivity.

With the new guidelines now in place, a range of sectors are expected to benefit. These include logistics providers, agricultural businesses, and environmental monitoring projects - all of which require reliable communications in areas where cellular or wired infrastructure may be unavailable or too expensive to deploy.

Guidance for future deployments

Alper Yegin, CEO of the LoRa Alliance, described advocacy for spectrum access as a central goal of the organisation:

"Advocating for LoRaWAN technology and spectrum access is one of the Alliance's main objectives. Maintaining open and available frequency bands is key to our members' ability to build businesses based on the open LoRaWAN wide area networking standard. It is validating to have a formal regulatory framework in place to guide future deployments. We extend our thanks to our members who have tirelessly advocated to secure this formal regulatory framework, ensuring broad access for satellite IoT solutions."

The ECC's decision specifically harmonises satellite-to-LPD-S communications in the 862-870 MHz SRD band. The regulatory framework is intended to support the coexistence of satellite systems and existing terrestrial SRD users, while enabling expansion into so-called non-terrestrial network (NTN) applications.

ECC Chairwoman Chris Seifert said the approval supports ongoing IoT development and innovation within Europe:

"This is a crucial step toward fostering innovation in the growing IoT sector. By enabling LPD-S devices to communicate with satellites within harmonized SRD spectrum, we unlock new possibilities for a wide range of technologies for reliable, low-power connectivity – even in remote or underserved regions."

The LoRa Alliance played a role in the studies and consultations conducted by ECC as part of its regulatory process. The Alliance expects that these changes will facilitate growth in the number and diversity of IoT deployments across the continent.

Wider IoT adoption

With spectrum access identified as a critical factor in scaling global IoT, the regulatory clarity is anticipated to support both new entrants and existing providers in planning and operating satellite-enabled LoRaWAN offerings.

Olivier Beaujard, Regulatory Working Group Chair and Chairman of the Board at LoRa Alliance, expressed appreciation to European regulators:

"The LoRa Alliance thanks all regulators from the ECC for their prompt actions and decisions enabling LPD-S devices to communicate with satellite within the harmonized SRD 862-870MHz band. The decision unlocks new opportunities for reliable, low-power LoRaWAN applications regardless of geographic location or deployed terrestrial infrastructure."

Beyond improvements to existing IoT services, stakeholders expect that harmonised satellite-to-device spectrum can enable new use cases. Environmental groups may monitor remote assets long-term, supply chains may gain better tracking in underserved regions, and precision agriculture could be deployed more widely.

As the regulatory environment becomes clearer, organisations across Europe are positioned to take advantage of low-power, satellite-enabled solutions, with some already planning deployments that were previously impractical or uneconomic.