FCC to vote on spectrum auctions benefiting SpaceX and Amazon

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 22:37 · Archive

The FCC will vote on auctioning spectrum to support satellite-to-smartphone services as SpaceX acquires low-band spectrum licenses.

The Federal Communications Commission said it will vote on proposals to auction 25 megahertz of 'prime spectrum' for direct-to-device services from satellites to smartphones, with an additional 482 megahertz available for supplemental coverage. The FCC will also vote on 29 October to take public comment on modernising rules for these licensed spectrum services.

SpaceX announced on Thursday it has agreed to acquire a spectrum portfolio from Grain Management comprising up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band, subject to FCC approval. The company said the low-band spectrum addresses a 'key remaining technical gap' for Starlink Mobile. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk called it a 'very big deal' on social media.

SpaceX plans to deploy a new architecture combining its satellite-to-mobile constellation with terrestrial mobile networks, directly competing with T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. The low-band spectrum will allow the signal to penetrate through walls and buildings, and SpaceX says Starlink Mobile can now become 'the first network operator to deploy both satellite and terrestrial spectrum'. The FCC previously approved SpaceX's plans to deploy 15,000 second-generation satellites offering more than 100 times the bandwidth of the current generation. Amazon has similarly moved to expand direct-to-device services and in August agreed to acquire Globalstar for more than $11.5 billion to boost its satellite internet business.

How it is being reported

• SpaceX announces plan to become a ‘major mobile carrier’SpaceX has acquired a portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses - a move the company says "will pave the way" for its Starlink Mobile service to become a "major" US carrier. When the Federal Communications Commission signs off on the deal, SpaceX says it will deploy its new architecture that combines its satellite-to-mobile constellation with a […]The Verge · 8 Oct, 22:23
• SpaceX deal to acquire spectrum license hammers shares of AT&T, Verizon and T-MobileSpaceX agreed to purchase a nationwide spectrum portfolio as it to pushes its Starlink service deeper into the U.S. telecommunications market.CNBC · 8 Oct, 22:10
• FCC to vote on auctioning 25MHz of 'prime spectrum' in move that could benefit Amazon, SpaceXSpaceX and Amazon have moved to expand providing direct-to-device services with networks of satellites.CNBC · 7 Oct, 21:03

In this story: SpaceX · Amazon · Federal Communications Commission · Elon Musk · Grain Management · AT&T · Verizon · T-Mobile

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