GSMA Issues Regulatory Playbook to Guide Satellite Connectivity Oversight
June 26th 2026
- GSMA has launched a “Satellite Regulatory Playbook” to help regulators develop consistent frameworks for satellite connectivity services.
- The guide identifies eight regulatory pillars, including national security, consumer protection, taxation, emergency services, and law enforcement.
- The initiative comes as African telecom operators expand partnerships with satellite providers and begin testing Direct-to-Cell technology.
The GSM Association (GSMA) launched a new guide on Wednesday, June 24, to help regulators build coherent regulatory frameworks as satellite connectivity services gain momentum worldwide.
The document, titled Satellite Regulatory Playbook, targets a segment where existing regulations often leave significant gaps. By contrast, services that involve mobile network operators generally already benefit from established regulatory safeguards.
The guide identifies eight regulatory pillars: local establishment requirements, national security, consumer protection, infrastructure, terminal deployment, taxation, emergency services, and law enforcement.
“Connectivity is not a choice between terrestrial and satellite networks. Regulation should be technology-neutral and focus on delivering consistent outcomes for consumers regardless of how services are provided,” said Michaela Angonius, Head of Policy and Regulation at GSMA.
The publication arrives as several African telecom operators already use satellite partnerships to extend network coverage across underserved areas.
Orange partnered with Eutelsat to deploy satellite connectivity services in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, MTN signed its own agreement with Eutelsat for Côte d’Ivoire after concluding an earlier partnership in 2024 between its infrastructure subsidiary Bayobab and the OneWeb satellite constellation.
Beyond traditional satellite connectivity kits, industry participants view Direct-to-Cell technology as the most disruptive development in the segment. The technology allows a standard smartphone to connect directly to a satellite without requiring an external antenna or additional equipment.
MTN Zambia announced in March that it had successfully completed Africa’s first Direct-to-Cell technology trials in partnership with Starlink and under the supervision of Zambia’s telecommunications regulator. The trial illustrates the type of regulatory gray area that the GSMA’s new Playbook seeks to address.
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