Today, the Federal Communications Commission initiated a review of the decades-old spectrum sharing regime between different types of satellite systems.  The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted today begins a formal proceeding to enable greater and more intensive use of spectrum for space activities in the United States. 

Today’s satellite systems offer high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity across the country to American consumers and businesses and enable lifesaving communications in rural areas and during emergencies.  In short, these satellites are bridging the digital divide.

Even so, regulatory barriers hold satellite systems back from delivering even better coverage, capacity, and signal quality.  Outdated power restrictions adopted decades ago represent the greatest limitation on modern commercial satellite capabilities.

In this proceeding, the FCC will look to update those power restrictions for use of the workhorse satellite frequencies (Ku and Ka- bands*) that support the next generation of satellite broadband constellations in Low-Earth Orbit.  FCC spectrum rules for these bands are underpinned by dated technical rules that were written for the satellite marketplace of the 1990s.

Existing reductions approved in the 1990s limit power usage that prevent better coverage from SpaceX's Starlink and other systems.

In March, the FCC said it would allow Starlink to operate a direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile, at higher power levels despite objections by rival companies.

* Ku-band: Frequency: 12-18 GHz.

Advantages:

• Cost-effective for end users.
• Allows for smaller antennas.
• Good coverage area.

Ka-band: Frequency: 26-40 GHz.

Advantages:

• Higher data transfer rates.
• More bandwidth capacity.
• Suitable for high-speed broadband applications.

Previous  Reports on this Satellite Service:

• 01: Apple and SpaceX have been Secretly working with T-Mobile to support the Starlink Satellite Network on Future iPhones (Jan. 2025)
• 02: Apple expands iPhone satellite communications service to include Japan’s au by KDDI and One NZ in New Zealand