SpaceX Gets a ‘Go’ From FCC for Satellite-Delivered Rural Broadband

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SpaceX wants to provide cost-efficient broadband services using satellite technology in the United States and around the world. The FCC approved its application on Thursday.

While the Commission has approved similar requests in the past year from OneWeb, Space Norway, and Telesat to access the American market, the SpaceX submission is the first from a U.S.-based company.

SpaceX plans to deploy more than 4,400 non-geostationary satellites in a low orbit, Inside Towers reported. The company told Congress last May they could deliver rural broadband for much less than fiber-based technology and use minimal ground infrastructure. Its satellites would connect to small rooftop terminals.

The FCC granted SpaceX authority to use frequencies in the Ka (20/30 GHz) and Ku (11/14 GHz) bands. The agency says the approvals are the first of their kind for a new generation of large, non-geostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service systems.

The Commission outlined conditions SpaceX must adhere to, such as protecting other satellite operations in the frequency bands. The Elon Musk founded-company must also coordinate internationally and update a plan to minimize orbital debris in the event that a satellite is retired or collides with other equipment in orbit. Telesat Canada and ViaSat opposed SpaceX’s application unless such conditions were imposed. Space Norway and OneWay had similar concerns.

SpaceX satellites will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere within approximately one year after completion of their mission – much sooner than the international standard of 25 years; it submitted an orbital debris mitigation and end-of-life disposal plan to the agency. The FCC agrees with NASA’s assessment that those plans need further study, given the large amount of satellites the company plans to deploy.  

The FCC told SpaceX it must have 50 percent of its planned satellites launched, placed in the correct orbit and operational by March 29, 2024. The company must do the same for the remaining satellites by March 29, 2027.

But first, the company must post a surety bond requiring payment in the event of a default, no later than April 30 of this year. Failure to do so makes the FCC’s authorization null and void “automatically,” according to the decision released Friday.

The company told Congress last May they could deliver rural broadband for much less than fiber-based technology and use minimal ground infrastructure. Its satellites would connect to small rooftop terminals.

April 3, 2018           

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