Industry Thought Leadership

As digital transformation accelerates across emerging markets, the convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks has brought the strategic importance of Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum into sharp focus. In an increasingly interconnected world, where emergency response systems, remote IoT ecosystems, and resilient broadband networks are not luxuries but necessities, spectrum allocation becomes a policy-defining issue. Specifically, the MSS bands—1980–2010 MHz (uplink) and 2170–2200 MHz (downlink)—represent one of the most critical spectrum assets in this evolution.

Across the region, recent national policy directions demonstrate strong recognition of MSS as a central component of broader Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) strategies. Spectrum planning initiatives increasingly highlight MSS under strategic pillars such as unlocking satellite spectrum for commercial and innovative use.

Within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), these bands offer more than operational utility; they serve as a foundational platform for regional digital cohesion, economic transformation, and sovereign technological capability.

Across the region, recent national policy directions demonstrate strong recognition of MSS as a central component of broader Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) strategies. Spectrum planning initiatives increasingly highlight MSS under strategic pillars such as unlocking satellite spectrum for commercial and innovative use. In some jurisdictions, regulators have already allocated spectrum, for instance, in the 2.1 GHz band, for MSS and Air-to-Ground (ATG) services, underscoring a concrete regulatory commitment to fostering next-generation satellite-terrestrial convergence.

As the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) approaches, the opportunity and the obligation to act in concert on spectrum harmonization has never been more urgent.

The Strategic Value of MSS Spectrum (2100 MHz)
The 2100 MHz MSS bands are globally allocated for satellite communication and complementary ground components (CGC). Their propagation characteristics make them ideal for enabling hybrid architectures that combine the coverage benefits of geostationary (GEO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) systems with terrestrial augmentation. These bands are also emerging as a backbone for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) integration and Direct-to-Device (D2D) capabilities, key areas of innovation that will dominate the next decade.

The evolution toward 5G-NTN brings MSS spectrum to the center of hybrid connectivity strategies. Unlike traditional terrestrial 5G, NTN seeks to extend coverage using space-based infrastructure, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) systems, or High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs), and AI-enabled network orchestration.

The Role of MSS Spectrum in 5G-NTN Architectures
The evolution toward 5G-NTN brings MSS spectrum to the center of hybrid connectivity strategies. Unlike traditional terrestrial 5G, NTN seeks to extend coverage using space-based infrastructure, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) systems, or High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs), and AI-enabled network orchestration. MSS spectrum, particularly in the 2 GHz range, offers a harmonized, ITU-recognized mid-band resource that can support both wide-area reach and high data throughput, essential for NTN use-cases like D2D broadband, autonomous logistics, emergency communication, and maritime and aviation coverage. This same spectrum range is also leveraged for ATG services, which provide in-flight passenger connectivity. The ability to reuse MSS spectrum for ATG applications underscores its versatility and commercial value, especially in aviation corridors where satellite and terrestrial coverage must seamlessly integrate.

In this evolving ecosystem, MSS sits at the heart of a continuum of NTN capabilities and co-existence strategies that aim to In such cases, MSS serves as a critical tool for digital resilience, emergency communications, aeronautical linkages, and public service continuity.

In this context, MSS acts as a licensed, globally coordinated anchor layer within 5G-NTN architectures, complementing unlicensed narrowband systems and augmented resilience improving national coverage, support service innovation, and enable seamless connectivity diversity, particularly in scenarios where terrestrial networks are unavailable or constrained. MSS spectrum’s technical flexibility and regulatory certainty make it a key enabler for commercially viable and secure NTN deployments across the GCC and beyond.

Current Fragmentation in the GCC and Associated Risks
Despite the international consensus around the utility of the MSS bands, the GCC region remains fragmented in terms of spectrum licensing, usage rights, and deployment models. Regulatory asymmetries between member states have led to underutilization of valuable spectrum assets. Moreover, a portion of the MSS spectrum is already operational in over 40 countries to support ATG services, delivering in-flight passenger connectivity. This widespread adoption underscores the spectrum’s commercial maturity and highlights the strategic opportunity the GCC risks forfeiting by not advancing a harmonized regional framework. Operators, manufacturers, ATG Solutions providers, and satellite service providers often face legal and technical uncertainty, which in turn discourages long-term investment and stifles innovation.

From a policy and regulatory standpoint, several administrations are moving toward harmonized frameworks that include licensing for essential components such as Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), MSS below 1 GHz, and space station registration. These developments signal a proactive approach to aligning with global best practices and WRC outcomes, while simultaneously creating pathways for local market stimulation and innovation.

The lack of a regional roadmap also inhibits cross-border service deployment, roaming capability, and regional-scale manufacturing of compatible terminals and systems . Without harmonization, each national spectrum regime acts in isolation, compounding the risk of spectrum inefficiencies, harmful interference, and reduced readiness for international coordination during forums like WRC-27.

MSS should also be integrated into broader economic strategies, including rural broadband, critical communications infrastructure, and digital industrial policy. Governments can incentivize local industry participation and foster innovation through targeted regulation and public-private partnerships.

Learning from Global Precedents
Other regions have moved decisively in harmonizing MSS spectrum use. The European CEPT framework, through ECC Decision (06)09 and ECC Report 197, has outlined a practical model for coordinated use of the 2 GHz bands. These documents address key issues such as technology neutrality, interference coordination, and CGC integration, enabling manufacturers to design interoperable systems and operators to pursue multinational deployment strategies.

The United States, through its Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has explored auction-based MSS licensing models that incentivize commercial deployment while ensuring public interest obligations. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan and South Korea, have adopted MSS frameworks tied to national broadband plans and smart city strategies.

Strategic Priorities for MSS Harmonization in the GCC
The GCC can translate global models into a regionally tailored harmonization effort. Regulatory convergence based on ITU-R studies and WRC-27 preparatory work is essential. National authorities should jointly adopt a GCC MSS band plan aligned with global norms but adapted to regional priorities.

Technical harmonization requires coordinated studies on coexistence with adjacent IMT systems, including simulation of time-division duplexing (TDD) or geographic zoning.

Despite the international consensus around the utility of the MSS bands, the GCC region remains fragmented in terms of spectrum licensing, usage rights, and deployment models. Regulatory asymmetries between member states have led to underutilization of valuable spectrum assets.

One potential point for consideration is the possibility of adopting dynamic coordination frameworks. MSS bands often face coexistence challenges between terrestrial 4G/5G, ATG, and satellite-based D2D/IoT services. A cloud-based Spectrum Access System (SAS)-like mechanism could dynamically allocate spectrum based on real-time usage and interference risk. This could serve as a long-term target to be endorsed by regulators and would support a harmonized search for such a solution across the region. MSS should also be integrated into broader economic strategies, including rural broadband, critical communications infrastructure, and digital industrial policy. Governments can incentivize local industry participation and foster innovation through targeted regulation and public-private partnerships.

Finally, a governance structure, such as a GCC MSS Whitepaper Taskforce facilitated by SAMENA, oversees timelines, engagement, and implementation.

Enabling Mechanisms: The Roles of SAMENA and Omantel
WRC-27, guided by ITU-R Resolution 253, will finalize global rules governing MSS bands. These decisions will shape licensing rights, service compatibility, and equipment standardization for the next decade. As regional stakeholders prepare for WRC-27, the importance of collaboration around MSS, both as a policy challenge and an opportunity is growing. The GCC must arrive at WRC-27 with a harmonized, technically sound, and politically endorsed position to ensure its spectrum needs are secured.

SAMENA Telecommunications Council, as a regional policy and industry platform, is uniquely positioned to convene and coordinate harmonization efforts. Its credibility and experience in multi-stakeholder engagement enable it to align regulatory bodies, industry players, and technology developers toward a shared vision for spectrum utilization.

Omantel, with its operational MSS experience and regional footprint, offers technical leadership and institutional momentum. Together, they are developing a whitepaper to catalyze stakeholder alignment, a model inspired by successful initiatives in Europe and North America.

This initiative will convene regulators, operators, satellite providers, and technology partners to examine regulatory approaches, investment incentives, and ecosystem-building strategies that can accelerate the integration of MSS into national broadband agendas.

As this effort progresses, it is essential that all relevant stakeholders actively contribute to shaping the regional agenda. These include (but are not limited to) mobile network operators, satellite service providers, spectrum regulators, defense and space agencies, NGOs, civil aviation and public safety authorities, terminal and chipset manufacturers, standardization bodies, consultants, academic researchers, and regional development organizations. Each actor brings critical insights and capabilities that can enrich the process and ensure realistic, implementable outcomes.

As regional stakeholders prepare for WRC-27, the importance of collaboration around MSS, both as a policy challenge and an opportunity is growing. The GCC must arrive at WRC-27 with a harmonized, technically sound, and politically endorsed position to ensure its spectrum needs are secured.

Ultimately, MSS is no longer just a technical solution, it is a policy lever, an innovation catalyst, and a critical component of digital sovereignty strategies across the region.

We therefore extend an open invitation to these stakeholders to participate in consultations, contribute to technical and regulatory discussions, and co-create a unified regional voice for MSS ahead of WRC-27. Now is the time to align, to act, and to speak as one region with one vision.

Conclusion
The harmonization of MSS spectrum across the GCC is an essential strategic undertaking. It enables economic resilience, digital inclusion, and technological leadership. With WRC-27 fast approaching, there is a clear mandate for coordination and action. With leadership from regional stakeholders, and support from various institutions, the GCC can assert itself as a unified and forward-looking voice in global spectrum policy.