The US Federal Communications Commission voted on 30 September to open more than 1,000 megahertz of spectrum in the 12.7-13.25 GHz and 42-42.5 GHz bands to satellite services, including satellite broadband to the home [1].
Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Anna Gomez and Olivia Trusty approved it [2]. The order was released on 1 October [1].
The FCC estimates that high-throughput satellite capacity will increase by about 25% in the 12.7 GHz band and 7.2% in the 42 GHz band as a result [1].
What it covers
In the 12.7 GHz band, satellites may now use the spectrum in both directions. Uplinks may come from ground gateways and from earth stations on aircraft and ships; downlinks from non-geostationary satellites, such as low-orbit constellations, to user terminals [1].
Existing terrestrial users of the band are protected, then phased out over 10 years [1].
In the 42 GHz band, the FCC adds a primary allocation for satellite downlinks to earth stations, and moves non-federal terrestrial mobile use from primary to secondary status [1].
The FCC estimates net benefits over five years of $151 million to $1.2 billion, at a 3% discount rate [1].
It also proposes opening 1,450 MHz in the Ku- and Ka-bands and 138.25 GHz in the D-band to more intensive satellite use, and seeks comment on spectrum for spacecraft control and in-space operations [1].
What it does not tell you
When users will see faster service. The order changes the rules for the spectrum; operators still have to build and license the systems [1].
How the 42 GHz licensing will work. The FCC chose a "light licensing" approach but deferred the details to other proceedings [1].
Whether the benefit estimates hold. They are the FCC's own projections, given as a wide range [1].
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