The Federal Communications Commission took two more steps on Thursday, October 29 to support satellite direct-to-device (D2D) service, the kind of phone-from-space connectivity SpaceX sells through Starlink. Both items passed 3-0.
What the FCC approved
- A proposed auction of 25 MHz of mid-band spectrum in the 1675-1695 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands. The FCC says it wants the auction open to many kinds of providers, from 5G and 6G to D2D or hybrid networks. It depends on an NTIA study of how to move federal users out of the 1675-1695 MHz band.
- Modernized rules for D2D in licensed spectrum that would make an additional 482 MHz available for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS). This item now heads to a public comment period, so nothing is final yet.
As Fierce Network notes, the moves look most likely to benefit SpaceX as it builds out its satellite D2D system and a terrestrial mobile network.
Why carriers are worried
Some of the bands under discussion are licensed exclusively for terrestrial wireless like 5G. Before the vote, CTIA, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon raised interference and synchronization concerns about adding satellite service to busy 5G bands such as 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz. In an October 21 filing, T-Mobile argued that unsynchronized satellite transmissions could badly cut uplink coverage and speeds for customers in affected areas.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency wants to give D2D providers more ways to get spectrum while protecting 5G networks, and that decisions will follow “the best engineering in the record.” Commissioner Anna Gomez asked whether a spectrum screen, a cap long used for terrestrial carriers to protect competition, should also apply to satellite operators. Both items ask that question.
Context
Carr pointed to how the market has moved this year, including SpaceX’s purchase of EchoStar spectrum for more than $19 billion and Grain Management’s $8 billion spectrum sale to SpaceX. Final rules will come only after the comment period.
Source: Fierce Network: FCC doubles down on D2D with spectrum plays
Related: FCC Approves SpaceX’s Purchase of Tristar AWS-3 Licenses for Starlink Mobile and SpaceX Seeks Access to at Least 80,000 US Cell Sites for a Starlink Mobile Ground Network