A leading European manufacturer, recognized for its expertise in designing and producing satellite reception antennas, entrusted Relians with the mission of removing a major regulatory obstacle. This barrier was significantly limiting its access to a rapidly expanding market: satellite internet. This sector has become a critical driver in the fight against the digital divide, especially in rural and remote areas where traditional infrastructure often fails to meet connectivity needs. Yet, outdated and burdensome taxation was weighing heavily on the development and deployment of this promising technology.
Context and Challenges
In France, the tax regime applied to satellite telecommunications infrastructure revealed a problematic asymmetry. On one hand, satellite television antennas—widely deployed and well-known to the general public—benefited from a reduced tax rate. On the other hand, large parabolic antennas specifically designed for telecommunications purposes (especially for satellite internet) were subject to a significantly higher, sector-specific tax.
This disparity created a structural imbalance that made the deployment of this strategic technology economically unviable. It discouraged industrial investment, slowed broadband expansion across the territory, and contradicted national goals regarding digital development and territorial equity.
Three major challenges were identified:
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A discriminatory tax penalizing large parabolic antennas used for telecommunications;
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A strategic market key to providing internet access in rural areas and reducing geographic inequalities;
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A rigid legislative framework, where fiscal reforms could only be considered during the annual Finance Bill process, offering very limited flexibility.
Our client aimed to evolve this framework to enable the easier, more cost-effective deployment of its high-value-added technologies in the French and European markets.
Our Mission
In an especially formal institutional context, our team was tasked with overseeing the entire advocacy and interest representation process. This was a sensitive and complex operation, requiring regulatory expertise, in-depth understanding of political dynamics, and a targeted influence strategy. Our approach was structured around three complementary pillars:
- Strategic and Institutional Assessment
We conducted a detailed analysis of the tax regimes applicable to different types of antennas, highlighting the inconsistencies between audiovisual equipment and telecommunications infrastructure. This enabled us to clearly frame the issue and build a solid argument based on principles of fiscal equity, economic efficiency, and policy coherence. - Managing Institutional Dialogue
We identified and mobilized key decision-makers: lawmakers, ministerial advisors, the General Directorate of Public Finance, and regulatory authorities. Our advocacy strategy demonstrated that the proposed reform served the interests of the industrial sector, supported regional development, and aligned with national goals for digital transition. Through sustained engagement, we built a strong political consensus around our proposal. - Strategic Communication
In parallel, we led a public affairs campaign to raise awareness of the societal benefits of satellite internet—emphasizing access to online education, telemedicine, and e-commerce in areas often lacking fixed-line infrastructure. This positive and inclusive narrative reinforced the legitimacy of the proposed reform in the eyes of both public stakeholders and the broader public.
Thanks to this comprehensive mobilization, our proposal was incorporated into parliamentary discussions on the Finance Bill. It was also reviewed by an interministerial committee on regional planning, chaired by the Prime Minister. The measure was ultimately recognized by the French government as serving the public interest by promoting universal connectivity.
Results
Our intervention led to the repeal of the specific tax on large parabolic antennas used for telecommunications. These antennas are now subject to the same tax regime as those used for satellite television. This reform delivered immediate, concrete results:
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For our client: simplified, untaxed access to the satellite internet market;
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For end users: lower deployment costs, broader coverage, and improved connectivity in rural regions;
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For public authorities: tangible progress in regional planning and a meaningful reduction in the digital divide.
An Emblematic Case
This project fully illustrates Relians’ ability to transform rigid regulatory frameworks into strategic opportunities. By combining analytical rigor, mastery of institutional processes, and effective influence communication, we successfully resolved a complex situation in support of a technology that is essential to digital sovereignty.
At Relians, we support our clients in overcoming institutional barriers, bringing forward innovative solutions, and developing projects with strong economic, territorial, and societal impact.
