FCC releases more radio waves for NGSO broadband

TAMPA, Fla. — The Federal Communications Commission voted Sept. 26 to open up more spectrum to Starlink and other non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) operators to improve broadband speeds in the United States.

The regulator unanimously voted to give NGSO operators access to frequencies in the 17.3-17.7 gigahertz band for satellite communications provided to fixed points on Earth, such as a stationary residential antenna. 

The decision provides 1300 megahertz of contiguous spectrum in the 17 GHz band for NGSO fixed-satellite service (FSS) operators, which they must share with geostationary peers while abiding by power limits and other conditions.

“This action promotes spectrum efficiency, fosters competition, and expands the ability of satellite operators to deploy advanced services, including high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas,” the FCC said in a news release.

Geostationary satellite operators EchoStar and DirectTV had argued that NGSO operators should only get access to the spectrum on a secondary basis to avoid interference.

Following a public comment process after proposing the rules two years ago, the FCC ruled that NGSO FSS downlinks in the 17 GHz band are compatible with incumbent GEO services on a co-primary basis.

However, the regulator also said NGSO FSS downlinks in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band could not claim similar interference protections from existing and future terrestrial fixed service operations.

The FCC said the new rules are aligned with treaty-level agreements from the most recent World Radiocommunication Conference, a United Nations-run event where regulators seek to coordinate the use of radio waves globally.

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