- The FCC is opening more than 1,000 MHz of spectrum for satellite communications
- The order was passed under the FCC’s agenda item appropriately titled: Unlocking Satellite Spectrum Abundance
- The spectrum is expected to boost broadband, direct-to-device and in-flight connectivity
Spectrum for space is going nowhere but up as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) frees up thousands of megahertz for satellite communications.
Specifically, the FCC today voted on rules that will open up more spectrum for satellite communications – to the tune of 1,000 megahertz in the 12.7-13.25 GHz and 42-42.5 GHz bands.
These are generally considered high bands for terrestrial cellular, so it’s not as if the commission is taking away spectrum from the Big 3 wireless carriers. Historically, the upper 12 GHz band has been used for fixed satellite service (FSS) operations and the spectrum in the 42 GHz band is largely unused.
Indeed, Chairman Carr noted how his agency is facilitating secondary market transactions for licensed cellular spectrum and kickstarting the FCC’s spectrum auction program. The next big auction – for upper C-band spectrum – is tentatively scheduled to start in April 2027.
“We've been running our spectrum abundance playbook for pretty much everything in the sky,” Carr said. “We’ve taken multiple actions to free up spectrum for direct-to-device offerings, with much more of that to come in the next few months.”
The spectrum advanced today will support a range of connectivity services, including faster broadband service in homes, as well as in-flight and on-ship connectivity.
However, the FCC didn’t stop there. It voted to advance further proposed rulemakings that seek comments on ways to free up an additional 1,450 megahertz of spectrum for more intense use of satellite communications and for the famously named “weird space stuff” for non-traditional commercial space missions.
Public Knowledge applauds FCC’s move
The FCC received accolades today from the consumer advocacy group Public Knowledge, which said the additional spectrum encourages innovation in areas such as direct-to-device (D2D) and increases the ability of satellite providers to compete with one another.
Among the perks: better Wi-Fi on planes, at sea and for RVs. But it’s not just making room for SpaceX to offer better broadband and new cell-phone related services. It also opens the way for Amazon and other satellite providers to compete on a level playing field, said Public Knowledge SVP Harold Feld.
“America leads in wireless innovation because the FCC leads the world in wireless innovation. The cell phone revolution, Wi-Fi, and private networking with Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) all began in the United States because the FCC adopted new and innovative rules for using spectrum,” Feld said in a statement. “Once again, the willingness of the FCC and its engineers to question the old way of doing things will lead to huge consumer benefits while avoiding harmful interference.”
Read more stories about space-based spectrum on Fierce Network:
FCC eyes unlicensed spectrum for new D2D services