The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to vote on October 29 on whether to advance a new wireless spectrum auction aimed at expanding direct-to-device satellite services, a move that could intensify competition between satellite operators and traditional mobile networks.
The regulator said it will also vote on proposals to modernise rules governing direct-to-device services and finalise regulations allowing drones to operate within the 800 MHz cellular band.
The FCC is proposing to auction 25 megahertz of spectrum for direct-to-device operations and make another 482 megahertz available for supplemental satellite coverage. The technology allows smartphones and other devices to connect directly with satellites, potentially extending mobile coverage to areas without conventional cellular service.
Companies including SpaceX and Amazon’s Leo are developing the technology. SpaceX has already acquired 65 megahertz of spectrum from EchoStar for $19.6 billion as it expands Starlink into mobile services.
The FCC’s move comes as satellite companies seek a larger role in the wireless market. SpaceX’s growing ambitions have raised concerns among established operators, while AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have formed a joint venture to expand satellite-enabled mobile coverage.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr has said upcoming spectrum auctions could generate more than $100 billion over the next several year
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