Efforts to widen digital connectivity throughout Europe have gained momentum as European regulators take unified action enabling new links between satellites and low-power devices. Communities and businesses working across challenging or isolated environments have frequently encountered obstacles when deploying Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, but recent regulatory changes are expected to ease these constraints. Brands such as the LoRa Alliance® and those utilizing LoRaWAN® technology are positioned to broaden their services following these regulatory developments.
Earlier updates regarding satellite-to-IoT communications in Europe typically highlighted pilot projects and experimental deployments under test or temporary authorizations. Communication between satellites and LoRaWAN devices often faced hurdles due to fragmented regulations, which sometimes delayed broader service rollouts. The official ECC decision standardizes the regulatory framework, closing the gap between trial-phase efforts and large-scale implementations within the 862-870MHz frequency band. Laboratories, IoT solution providers, and system integrators have previously advocated for more certainty in spectrum access, which the present regulatory action addresses.
What Drives ECC’s Decision for LoRaWAN IoT?
The Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) of the CEPT has finalized Decision ECC DEC(25)021, setting up clear guidelines for the use of the short-range device (SRD) 862-870MHz spectrum by satellite-to-low power device communications (LPD-S). The new framework benefited from ongoing cooperation between the LoRa Alliance® and European regulators, addressing both spectrum harmonization and coexistence with terrestrial users. Alper Yegin, CEO of LoRa Alliance, summarized the organization’s focus by stating,
“Advocating for LoRaWAN technology and spectrum access is one of the Alliance’s main objectives.”
What Opportunities Does the Harmonized Spectrum Create?
Opening these frequencies for non-terrestrial network (NTN) services enables broader deployment of LoRaWAN-based IoT applications, notably in sectors like agriculture, logistics, environmental monitoring, and asset tracking. By setting a regulatory groundwork, the ECC aims to help companies deliver reliable, low-power connectivity—even in regions underserved by existing infrastructure. Regarding the significance of this decision, Chris Seifert, ECC Chairwoman, commented,
“This is a crucial step toward fostering innovation in the growing IoT sector.”
How Might Adoption Impact Key Stakeholders?
For IoT-related businesses, the decision grants the certainty needed to invest in and expand LoRaWAN offerings. The LoRa Alliance believes adoption will produce new possibilities, as stated by Olivier Beaujard,
“The decision unlocks new opportunities for reliable, low-power LoRaWAN applications regardless of geographic location or deployed terrestrial infrastructure.”
The harmonized approach also offers continued protection for the rights and interests of current terrestrial SRD users, reducing potential disruptions as new satellite-based solutions are introduced.
Satellite-enabled LoRaWAN connectivity creates a pathway for consistent IoT performance across geographically dispersed or challenging locations, spanning both commercial and public sector use cases. Bringing regulatory clarity to spectrum allocation means IoT providers can shift attention from navigating spectrum uncertainty to developing innovative products and expanding service reach. For organizations in logistics, agriculture, and other remote operations, this move creates an environment ripe for strategic investment and accelerated deployment. Stakeholders may now weigh options for scaling IoT connectivity and data collection across diverse terrains, contributing to more resilient European infrastructure and supply chains.
