Key points
- FCC opens new satellite broadband spectrum
- Consumer dishes get a new download band
- A second vote changes environmental reviews
The Federal Communications Commission voted on Wednesday to open more than 1,000 megahertz of spectrum for satellite broadband, a change FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said brings "bountiful downlink spectrum that comes directly to consumer terminals, providing more bandwidth for in-home service." The order opens more spectrum to satellite internet services such as SpaceX's (SPCX) Starlink. SpaceX shares closed up 1.1% at $150.94.
In a separate order, the FCC changed how it applies National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental-review requirements to satellite activities.
How much new spectrum is the FCC opening?
The order covers the 12.7-13.25 GHz and 42-42.5 GHz bands. The FCC hasn't yet published the final text, so the technical details below come from the draft the FCC released on September 9.
The draft would open the 12.7-13.25 GHz band to satellite downlinks, including user dishes on planes and ships. That range spans 550 megahertz, which the draft also uses in its cost estimate. Its explanatory text instead says 525 megahertz, without explaining the difference. The draft calls the added downlink spectrum "a more than 25% increase" that "has the potential to accelerate broadband deployment in rural and remote areas of the United States."
In the draft, the 42 GHz band would be limited to downlinks to individually licensed gateway stations, not consumer dishes. The draft's cost-benefit analysis estimates the two bands would add about 25% and 7.2%, respectively, to the capacity of high-throughput satellites outside geostationary orbit.
Beyond those two bands, the commission sought comment on additional spectrum proposals. They include freeing up 1,450 megahertz in the Ku- and Ka-bands, along with 138.25 gigahertz in the D-band. A second notice looks at bands for what the FCC's docket calls "weird space stuff," such as in-orbit servicing, refueling, and manufacturing.
What changed on environmental review?
The FCC's release on the second order says actions tied to space-based operations, "including the launch, deployment, and operation of space stations," are not a "major federal action." A major federal action is what triggers an agency's NEPA obligations. The release said "bureaucratic NEPA reviews have no place across a range of innovative space-based activities regulated by the FCC." The same order ends checklist reviews for more than 14,800 wireless deployments a year. Carr and Commissioner Olivia Trusty voted for it, and Commissioner Anna Gomez approved in part and dissented in part.
SpaceX argued for the change. In reply comments cited in the draft order, the company said satellite authorizations "are not only extraterritorial, but they also do not significantly affect the quality of the human environment."
Other commenters disagreed. DarkSky International said some space operations, including orbital debris mitigation, have environmental effects within the US. The International Astronomical Union raised concerns about light and radio signals from satellites affecting astronomy. The draft answered that those comments "do not allege an actual effect within U.S. jurisdiction."
What does SpaceX need to use the new spectrum?
Satellite operators generally must file a modification application with the FCC before using newly allocated spectrum. SpaceX is already adding capacity in orbit. On Monday, Starship deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites, the larger design SpaceX is counting on to expand the network's capacity. SpaceX has also bought spectrum for a Starlink Mobile service aimed at the wireless carriers.
"Making next-gen satellite broadband faster and more reliable will not only benefit current subscribers, but also enhance competition for all consumers," Carr said.
