FCC to allocate spectrum for enhanced broadband access across the US

The FCC has made a pivotal move to enhance broadband services across the United States by allocating additional spectrum in the 17.3-17.7 GHz band to non-geostationary satellite operators (NGSO), including notable providers like Starlink. The decision is designed to improve broadband speeds and increase accessibility, particularly for fixed-satellite services (FSS) directed toward stationary points on Earth, such as residential antennas.

Importantly, NGSO operators will share this newly allocated 1,300 megahertz of spectrum with geostationary satellite (GEO) operators. However, they must adhere to strict power limits and conditions to minimise interference.

Moreover, the FCC has emphasised that this spectrum allocation is part of a broader strategy to promote spectrum efficiency, stimulate competition, and expand high-speed internet access, especially in underserved and unserved communities. Consequently, this initiative seeks to drive innovation and facilitate deploying advanced services in areas lacking robust traditional internet infrastructure, effectively bridging the digital divide.

In response to concerns raised by geostationary satellite operators like EchoStar and DirectTV, who argued that NGSO operators should only have secondary access to prevent potential interference, the FCC determined that both NGSO and GEO operators would share the 17 GHz spectrum on a co-primary basis. However, it is worth noting that NGSO downlinks in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band will be afforded different interference protection from terrestrial services.