FCC Chairman Brendan Carr shared on X that the FCC will vote this month on a proposal to review and potentially revise the decades-old spectrum sharing framework between geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems. The current guidelines are limiting the level of satellite broadband service available in the marketplace, and updating those guidelines could potentially improve high-speed, low latency broadband capabilities, according to the proposal, with a goal of making satellite internet faster and more accessible.
Here’s more information about the review, from the proposal:
With this goal at the forefront, in this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, we initiate a review of the decades-old spectrum sharing regime between geostationary (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite systems operating in the 10.7-12.7, 17.3-18.6, and 19.7-20.2 GHz bands that represents the single most constraining regulatory requirement on NGSO satellite systems currently deploying at breakneck speed. By taking a fresh look at today’s satellite technology and operations, this proceeding will ensure highly efficient and effective use of the shared spectrum, and support a more efficient and competitive market for satellite broadband and other in-demand services while uncapping the potential of satellite constellations that were unthinkable when the current regime was developed, to the ultimate benefit of American consumers.
The proposal cites a request for review from Elon Musk’s SpaceX – SpaceX Petition for Rulemaking, Revision of the Commission’s Rules to Establish More Efficient Spectrum Sharing between NGSO and GSO Satellite Systems, RM-11990 (filed Aug. 9, 2024).
SpaceX, as well as other satellite internet providers, have changed the home internet marketplace over the last few years. The proposal makes the point that because that marketplace as changed so drastically recently that the guidelines developed in the 90s are no longer relevant and need to be updated. The FCC will discuss how satellite technology and operations have changed, what alternative frameworks would look like, and how those frameworks could benefit the public.
This proposal will be part of the FCC’s agenda for the April Open Commission Meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025.