FCC throws out satellite spectrum challenges as D2D dealmaking heats up
TAMPA, Fla. - The Federal Communications Commission has moved to lock down incumbent rights to Mobile Satellite Service spectrum, dismissing bids by SpaceX and others to access frequencies increasingly prized for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.
The regulator released a broad decision April 23 aimed at preserving market certainty for companies already using MSS bands to connect portable devices, from U.S.-based Globalstar and Iridium's "Big LEO" spectrum to 2 gigahertz (GHz) and L-band frequencies.
The order comes just over a week after Amazon announced plans to buy Globalstar in a deal worth around $11 billion, enabling the company to break into the emerging D2D market without picking a new spectrum fight.
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SpaceX had petitioned the FCC to revise the sharing framework for Big LEO spectrum to allow new entrants, while also seeking permission to use the band to improve its D2D capabilities.
Iridium had separately sought a larger slice of Big LEO spectrum, while Canada's Kepler Communications was also seeking U.S. market access in part of the same band.
"Given the nature of MSS, including the ubiquity and portable nature of mobile devices, and the use of omni-directional antennas, there are significant harmful interference challenges to incumbent users in allowing additional uses in these bands," the FCC said in the order.
"These challenges, combined with the risk to investment, growth, and innovation afforded in the current Big LEO structure, lead us to determine that the petitions do not warrant further consideration and that it is in public interest to dismiss these requests."
The FCC similarly dismissed a bid for U.S. market access from Spanish connectivity startup Sateliot in part of the 2 GHz band, along with a request from Texas-based D2D venture AST SpaceMobile to operate in parts of that spectrum outside the United States.
The agency said it would not consider additional U.S. commercial systems for international operations in the 2 GHz band, arguing that it would undermine current licensee EchoStar's ability to compete globally.
The regulator has also terminated an inquiry into EchoStar's use of the 2 GHz spectrum following the company's multibillion-dollar spectrum sales to SpaceX.
FCC chairman Brendan Carr said the broad order positions the U.S. to lead the way in deploying D2D services from space, enabling connectivity for standard devices beyond the reach of terrestrial cell towers.
"As competition in this growing market intensifies, American consumers stand to come out ahead as the big winners," Carr said in a statement.
"That's why the FCC is laser-focused this year on making our rules as friendly as possible for investment and innovation in D2D services. We are taking important actions this week to give this exciting industry the clarity it needs to build satellite systems and invest in spectrum confidently."
The move comes days after the FCC conditionally approved AST SpaceMobile's request to operate a full constellation of 248 satellites and provide D2D services in the United States, using cellular frequencies from partners AT&T and Verizon.
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