The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today took action to expand the amount of available spectrum — specifically spectrum delivered via satellite — to help boost the prospects for satellite broadband.
As part of its “Final Frontiers Agenda,” the FCC approved a proceeding that could make available more than 20,000 megahertz of spectrum for broadband delivered via satellite — more than the current available satellite broadband spectrum.
In its Notice Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the FCC planned to request commentary on expanding satellite connectivity across the 12.7-13.25 GHz, 42.0-42.5 GHz, 51.4-52.4 GHz, and the so-called “W-band” at 92.0-94.0 GHz, 94.1-100 GHz, 102.0-109.5 GHz, and 111.8-114.25 GHz spectrum brands.
The FCC notes that these bands are underused today and are prime candidates for modernization:
- The 42 GHz band is one of the rare bands that remains greenfield.
- The 52 GHz band has no licensed commercial users.
- The W-band offers gigabit capacity over a massive, but mostly empty, swath of spectrum long considered outside the practical realm of physics.
“The Commission intends to make good on its years-long efforts to unleash these bands for next generation services,” the FCC said in a press release about the efforts to expand satellite broadband.
“The 12.7 and 42 GHz bands, which the Commission previously considered for terrestrial use, are adjacent to workhorse satellite frequencies in the Ku- and V- bands. Meanwhile, there has been growing and intense support to open up the 52 GHz band domestically after international decisions at WRC-19. And by seeking comment on the Wband, the Commission continues recent initiatives to push the limits of high-band spectrum and provide a ‘first-mover advantage’ for U.S.-licensed operators.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is on record saying he wants to expand the use of satellite broadband.
T-Mobile and Starlink are already collaborating on beta testing of T-Mobile Starlink, a partnership between the two companies that will provide coverage of the 500,000 square miles of the United States not within range of cell towers.
