French Union Challenges Amazon Satellite Internet Licence
A French telecoms union has filed a legal challenge against the country’s decision to grant Amazon radio spectrum for its satellite internet service. The move marks the biggest legal test yet of the US company’s plans to expand its global broadband network.
Union Disputes Arcep’s Approval Process
The CFE-CGC Telecoms union confirmed on Monday that it had lodged an appeal with France’s highest administrative court. It seeks to overturn a July decision by telecoms regulator Arcep, which granted Amazon a 10-year licence to use frequencies for its low earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.
According to the union, Arcep failed to carry out a market analysis or consult France’s competition authority before awarding the rights. It also questioned why no competitive bidding process took place for what it called a “scarce and valuable public resource.”
Neither Arcep nor Amazon has commented on the case.
Security and Competition Concerns
Beyond regulatory issues, the union raised security concerns over allowing a non-European operator to control such communications infrastructure. It argued that Arcep had overlooked public safety and data protection obligations, which could pose risks to national security and emergency communication systems.
Amazon’s satellite venture, previously known as Project Kuiper, plans to deploy a fleet of more than 3,000 LEO satellites. The first 27 were launched in April. The company aims to start limited enterprise services in late 2025, followed by a wider rollout in 2026.
Growing Scrutiny of Satellite Internet Operators
The case reflects growing European scrutiny of major US technology firms as competition intensifies in the satellite broadband sector. Amazon will compete against Elon Musk’s Starlink, which operates about 8,000 satellites, and France’s Eutelsat, with a fleet of 648.
Concerns about reliance on Starlink increased this year after reports that access to the network, crucial for Ukraine’s military communications, could be restricted. Starlink obtained its own 10-year licence in France in 2021, a decision some critics now view as too lenient.
Sebastien Crozier, chairman of the CFE-CGC union at Orange, said, “We didn’t see Starlink coming. They granted them a licence, and we no longer know how many subscribers they have.”
with inputs from Reuters
