Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) provide an orbital continuity layer, a capability unmatched by terrestrial systems. Operating above geographical and political boundaries, MSS delivers persistent, border-agnostic connectivity that remains operational when ground networks fail. This positions MSS as foundational to national resilience, sustaining essential services for aviation, maritime operations, public safety, and critical IoT during disasters, conflicts, or infrastructure outages. As terrestrial 5G and emerging 6G networks grow increasingly complex, MSS serves as an always-available backbone, enabling seamless hybrid roaming between ground and space. It is the invisible safety net of future digital economies.

MSS is already operational across multiple service models, and demand for MSS spectrum is increasing with the expansion of global non-terrestrial constellation operators. For the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), characterized by vast geographies, critical industrial assets, and strategic mobility corridors, MSS is essential for bridging coverage gaps in energy, logistics, defense, and disaster response. The convergence of MSS with 5G/6G networks through Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), including Air-to-Ground (A2G) and Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, establishes hybrid satellite-terrestrial architectures as enablers of digital sovereignty, industrial digitalization, and resilient national communications. A2G aviation platforms are already operational in Europe using 15 MHz MSS channels and are approaching commercial deployment in the Middle East.

Currently, GCC spectrum policies, licensing approaches, and coexistence rules differ across member states. Fragmentation limits investment scale, complicates cross-border services, and weakens collective influence in international spectrum negotiations. WRC-27 will review the 2 GHz MSS bands, including the 1980–2010 MHz (Earth-to-space) and 2170–2200 MHz (space-to-Earth) allocations. These decisions will shape the long-term conditions for satellite and hybrid network operations. Unified GCC participation is critical to securing equitable access, operational consistency, and regulatory influence in global discussions.

Key strategic imperatives include:

Regional Spectrum Harmonization: Establish a GCC-wide MSS framework under the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) to align licensing practices, ensure cross-border interoperability, and strengthen regional negotiation positions ahead of WRC-27.

Dynamic Spectrum Governance: Deploy a cloud-based Spectrum Access System (SAS) to manage MSS, A2G, D2D, and terrestrial IMT coexistence in real time, replacing static allocation models, protecting critical services, and optimizing spectrum utilization.

Industrial and Operational Alignment: Foster public–private partnerships to localize MSS terminal and ground segment manufacturing, accelerate technology transfer, and create high-value employment. Integrate MSS into national ICT and 5G/6G roadmaps, with A2G and D2D as operationally prioritized layers within hybrid architectures.

The next two years are decisive. GCC action now will determine whether the region emerges as a cohesive contributor to global spectrum governance or remains fragmented. Harmonized MSS frameworks, combined with dynamic spectrum management and structured hybrid operations, can transform the GCC into a regional hub for resilient connectivity, economic growth, and digital sovereignty.