The FCC envisions a single network future to extend the reach of wireless networks to remote areas. Commissioners took what they say is a step forward toward that future yesterday by voting 5-0 to adopt final rules to establish a new regulatory framework for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS). During the meeting, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the U.S. is the first country to do so.
The point is to enable collaboration between wireless carriers and satellite operators to make sure smartphone users stay connected even in areas where there is no terrestrial mobile service. “We are going to need it all—fiber networks, licensed terrestrial wireless systems, next-generation unlicensed technology, and satellite broadband,” said Rosenworcel. “But if we do this right, these networks will seamlessly interact in a way that is invisible to the user. We won’t need to think about what network, where, and what services are available. Connections will just work everywhere, all the time.”
Commissioner Brendan Carr said, “We are on the cusp of unlocking an entirely new technology that can benefit consumers and innovation. The ability to get high-speed service directly to a smartphone device is an exciting technology development and I am glad we are moving forward with this decision.”
“Just about a year has passed since we proposed a framework for launching cell towers in space,” said Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “During that time, we’ve seen great promise. More rescues of hikers and crash victims who reached emergency services with a satellite text. More testing of capabilities that go beyond texting, including the first two-way satellite-to-cell phone calls, the first 5G satellite-to-cell phone call, and satellite-to-cell data downloads peaking at 14 and 17 Mbps. We’ve also seen more investment to bring those capabilities out of the lab and into the hands of consumers.”
The supplemental coverage from space framework allows satellite operators collaborating with terrestrial service providers to seek FCC authorization to operate space stations on certain licensed, flexible-use spectrum currently allocated to wireless services, provided they satisfy certain licensing prerequisites. That includes having a spectrum lease from a terrestrial licensee within a specified geographic area. Once authorized, a satellite operator can then serve a wireless provider’s customers should they need connectivity outside of coverage areas.
The rules also require that terrestrial providers must route all SCS 911 calls to a Public Safety Answering Point using either location-based routing or a local or regional emergency call center. The Commission also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek further comment on this and other public safety issues.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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