With a 5-0 vote, the FCC on Thursday adopted new rules to free up 1300 MHz of contiguous spectrum for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service operations in the 17.3-17.8 GHz band. Officials said the action promotes spectrum efficiency, fosters competition, and expands the ability of satellite operators to deploy advanced services like satellite to smartphone service.
With the changes, NGSO fixed-satellite services can operate in the space-to-Earth (downlink) direction on a co-primary basis with incumbent services and on a shared, co-primary basis with geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) services. The Commission’s action will also enable NGSO fixed-satellite service downlink use of the 17.7-17.8 GHz band on a co-primary basis with GSO services and on an unprotected basis with respect to terrestrial fixed services.
“The changes make clear connectivity from space is a big part of our future, whether to stations direct from dishes or hopefully in the near future straight to smart phones,” said FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr during the vote.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, “This large, contiguous block of spectrum will support advanced services, including high-speed broadband access. Our rules allow a range of use cases from different orbits, bolstering competition in the space economy and creating more opportunities for companies from the United States around the world.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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