FCC moves to open 1,050 MHz of spectrum to satellite broadband
The US Federal Communications Commission is preparing to expand satellite access to 1,050 MHz of spectrum in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands, potentially increasing capacity for broadband services and satellite networks.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is preparing to expand satellite use of two frequency bands, covering a combined 1,050 MHz of spectrum. The proposed rules would make 550 MHz available in the 12.7–13.25 GHz band and another 500 MHz in the 42.0–42.5 GHz band.
The FCC is scheduled to vote on the proposal on 30 September. The agency says the additional spectrum could support broadband connections for homes, aircraft and ships, as well as satellite ground networks. Potential uses include consumer broadband, earth stations in motion, inter-satellite links and traffic routing through fixed ground stations.
The proposal follows a rulemaking launched by the FCC in May 2025 to reconsider restrictions on satellite operations across several frequency ranges. The 12.7 GHz band is already used by terrestrial fixed links and other incumbent services, while the 42 GHz band has been described by the FCC as largely undeveloped spectrum in the V-band.
Protecting existing users and preventing harmful interference have been central to the FCC’s consideration of the bands. The agency has previously examined both frequencies for expanded terrestrial wireless use, placing the latest proposal within a wider debate over how spectrum should be allocated between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
The proposed spectrum would not be assigned to a specific satellite operator. Competing satellite systems could therefore seek to use the additional capacity, although this would depend on operators securing the necessary authorisations and deploying systems capable of operating in the bands.
The FCC is also preparing to consider proposals for substantially more satellite spectrum. These include a further 1,450 MHz in the Ku- and Ka-bands and 138.25 GHz in the D-band.
The proposal follows other recent FCC measures aimed at enabling more intensive use of spectrum by non-geostationary satellite systems. In April, the commission revised power limits for shared satellite spectrum, stating that the changes could enable greater use while maintaining protections against harmful interference.
