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FCC Blocks SpaceX's Spectrum Grab
24 Apr
Summary
- FCC denied SpaceX's request for crucial spectrum bands.
- Globalstar's existing license for the spectrum was upheld.
- The FCC aims to provide clarity for satellite-to-phone services.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently denied a significant request from SpaceX, preventing the company from accessing 1.6/2.4GHz radio spectrum. Globalstar currently holds exclusive rights to this spectrum, which it uses for its mobile satellite services, notably supporting emergency features on Apple iPhones.
The FCC's decision emphasizes upholding existing licenses and preventing harmful interference, stating there were no public interest reasons to alter the current framework. This move provides regulatory certainty and stability, crucial for companies like Globalstar that have invested heavily in their infrastructure.
In a separate but related decision, the FCC also rejected a SpaceX request for 1.5/1.6GHz bands used by Ligado Networks. However, SpaceX saw a positive outcome when the FCC denied a rival AST SpaceMobile's bid to use 2.0 and 2.1GHz spectrum that SpaceX is acquiring, citing concerns over US authorization and fair competition in the global market.
