The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has turned down SpaceX’s proposal to utilize the 1.6/2.4GHz radio spectrum currently employed by Globalstar, a decision impacting the satellite services industry that includes providers for Apple iPhones.
This ruling is part of an FCC initiative to establish clearer guidelines for the use of radio frequencies in the burgeoning satellite-to-phone sector, where companies like SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and the Amazon-Globalstar partnership are actively competing. Industry expert Tim Farrar described the order as the FCC’s directive for companies to remain within their designated operational boundaries.
The FCC clarified in its statement that the Space Bureau’s decision reaffirms the exclusive rights of current license holders to specific direct-to-device spectrum bands, rejecting attempts by various operators to encroach upon these frequencies.
SpaceX, aiming to enhance its Starlink Mobile service, has sought access to these frequencies, arguing that it can coexist with Globalstar without causing interference. However, the FCC maintained its stance from 2007, granting exclusive access to Globalstar and Iridium, citing no compelling policy or public interest reasons to alter the existing licensing framework.
The Commission highlighted the initial allocation’s intent to provide regulatory certainty and stability, noting Globalstar’s investment in its satellite services, which support emergency communications for Apple iPhones.
The FCC expressed concerns about potential interference issues due to the nature of mobile satellite services, which involve mobile devices and omni-directional antennas, making it challenging to introduce additional users in these bands.
Additionally, the FCC dismissed SpaceX’s request to access the 1.5/1.6GHz bands allocated to Ligado Networks. Nonetheless, SpaceX achieved a favorable outcome in another spectrum dispute, as the FCC rejected AST SpaceMobile’s bid to utilize parts of the 2.0 and 2.1GHz spectrum, which SpaceX is acquiring from EchoStar for both American and international deployment. SpaceX argued that AST’s proposal could lead to significant interference issues, contravening established FCC guidelines.
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