“One Mega-Constellation Could Hobble Africa’s Future in Space” – John P. Janka Warns of Spectrum Overreach at the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference

During the second day of the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, John P. Janka, Chief Officer of Global Government Affairs at Viasat, delivered a stark warning: Unchecked mega-constellations pose a real and present danger to Africa’s space-driven growth, innovation, and security ambitions. His presentation, “A Real and Present Danger to Growth, Innovation, Security & Resilience in Africa,” highlighted how a single dominant satellite operator could monopolise orbits and spectrum, throttling competition and stifling Africa’s digital future.  

Preconditions for Africa’s Space Success

Janka outlined three critical pillars necessary for Africa to harness the full potential of satellite technology:  

• Regulatory Stability: Predictable policies that encourage long-term investment in satellite infrastructure.
• Equitable Access to Spectrum and Orbital Slots: Fair allocation to prevent control by a limited number of operators.
• Protection Against Interference: Safeguards to ensure that essential services, such as disaster response, aviation, and maritime communications, remain reliable.

However, these conditions are increasingly under pressure due to the rapid expansion of mega-constellations.

The Mega-Constellation Takeover: A Threat to Fair Access 

A major concern is the accelerated deployment of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems. Janka noted that one operator has proposed launching 34,000 satellites, utilising 51 GHz of spectrum, a significant portion of the available bandwidth below 100 GHz. With over 20 GHz of additional spectrum under discussion for new applications at the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), the potential for spectrum congestion and competition is high.

Current regulations, such as the Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits, are designed to prevent harmful interference between satellite systems. However, proposed changes to these rules could disproportionately benefit NGSO constellations at the expense of geostationary (GSO) satellites. The potential outcomes include:

• Reduced performance of GSO systems, affecting data speeds and reliability.
• Diminished returns on technological improvements for GSO operators.
• Inability to meet service requirements for critical applications.

This scenario could leave African nations with fewer options, higher costs, and increased reliance on a few providers for essential services, including emergency response and national security communications.

The Competitive Impact of Mega-Constellations

Janka explained that proposed spectrum allocation rules could create preferential conditions for NGSO systems, effectively reserving large spectrum segments for mega-constellations. In contrast, GSO operators, which have historically provided stable, wide-coverage services, could face restrictions that limit their ability to compete. The likely results include:

• Reduced market competition, leading to fewer choices for African governments and businesses.
• Higher barriers to entry for new satellite operators, stifling innovation.
• Increased vulnerability if primary providers experience service disruptions.

“Spectrum is not infinite, and how we manage it will determine whether satellite technology can bridge Africa’s digital divide or exacerbate global inequities,” he stated. Janka called for evidence-based policymaking that balances the needs of incumbents (like GEO operators) and new LEO entrants, ensuring fair access without stifling competition.

A key theme of Janka’s address was the complementary roles of GSO and NGSO systems. While GSO satellites (positioned at ~36,000 km) excel at many things, NGSO constellations (operating in LEO/MEO orbits) also have advantages, which is why multi-orbit solutions are being embraced.

However, he warned that certain proposed changes in longstanding rules at the ITU could be a real problem. “What mega-constellations seek is to hobble competition in a zero-sum game that stacks the deck in their favour. GEO and NGSO can, and must, coexist. Longstanding ITU rules have allowed over 7,000 NGSOS to successfully deploy,” he argued. Janka pointed to a harmonised regional approach in Africa as a potential solution to overreach by the mega-constellations.

Policy Recommendations for African Stakeholders

To mitigate these risks, Janka proposed several measures for African regulators and policymakers:

• Recognise spectrum and orbital slots as limited resources that should be managed to prevent monopolistic control.
• Implement regulations that promote fair competition, ensuring that both NGSO and GSO systems can operate without undue advantage.
• Resist policies that disproportionately favour mega-constellations, preserving Africa’s ability to develop independent satellite infrastructure.

Conclusion: Africa Must Assert Its Role in Space Governance

The message was clear: Africa must not become a passive spectator in the global space race.

Janka’s presentation underscored the need for Africa to take an active role in shaping global satellite policies. Without intervention, the continent risks becoming overly dependent on a small group of operators, which could limit its ability to control costs, ensure service reliability, and develop local space capabilities.

The discussion raises an important question: How will African nations respond to these challenges to secure their long-term interests in satellite communications?