FCC unlocks 1,000 MHz of satellite spectrum in 'spectrum abundance' order

The US Federal Communications Commission voted at its open meeting on 30 September to adopt the “Unlocking Satellite Spectrum Abundance” Report and Order, opening more than 1,000 megahertz of spectrum in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands for satellite broadband.

The new capacity is aimed at high-speed satellite broadband to the home, in-flight and on-ship connectivity, traffic-routing functions in satellite ground networks, and inter-satellite links, according to the FCC’s fact sheet. Chairman Brendan Carr said the order would “ensure that consumers continue to benefit from competitive, high-speed Internet delivered from next-gen satellites,” adding that “the FCC’s work to free up more spectrum continues apace this month.”

At the same meeting, the commission adopted a second Report and Order modernising its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules, determining that spectrum licensing and space-based operations do not constitute Major Federal Actions — a step intended to streamline licensing for communications infrastructure.

A related Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on an additional 1,175–1,450 megahertz in the Ku- and Ka-bands, plus 138.25 gigahertz in the D-band. That remains a proposal under consultation — it has not been adopted.

The order follows an April move in which the FCC eased power limits on satellite spectrum use, a boost to low-Earth-orbit services such as SpaceX’s Starlink that the agency said could add $2bn in economic benefits.

Sources

• FCC fact sheet: Satellite Spectrum Abundance (DOC-424841A1) — fcc.gov
• CCIA welcomes FCC actions enabling satellite connectivity — ccianet.org
• FCC to vote on satellite spectrum expansion — ExterraJSC
• FCC September 2026 meeting agenda: satellite spectrum abundance, NEPA reform — Gulf ICT
• US FCC proposes to open more wireless spectrum to space-based wireless service — Reuters