FCC thwarts (for now) T-Mobile and SpaceX’s satellite ambitions

In a new report setting out the final rules for the use of supplemental space coverage (SCS), the FCC has outlined its technical requirements. According to the rules, there will be no relaxation of the power flux density limit of -120 dBW/m2/MHz.

SpaceX had hoped to increase the limit ninefold, but that proposal met with resistance from AT&T, Verizon, EchoStar and Omnispace, all of whom said a relaxed out-of-band PFD would cause disruption to their networks.

SpaceX will use its Starlink satellites to connect dead spots. T-Mobile's PCS G-Block Spectrum. T-Mobile made a final attempt on August 22 to get the FCC to approve the out-of-band PFD exemption request.

At the forefront of the argument was the point that, like his rivals, T-Mobile In addition, “Satellite conducts terrestrial operations in frequency bands adjacent to those in which SpaceX will operate,” so it is equally important for the carrier to ensure that satellite transmissions do not impact its operations.

The company owns the majority of the licenses for the C-Block PCS spectrum, the upper edge of which directly borders the spectrum that SpaceX will use to transmit signals for satellites. AT&T and Verizonhave significantly fewer licenses.T-Mobile argued that SpaceX had demonstrated that its operations would protect operations in adjacent bands and that competitors were overstating the importance of a conservative cap to delay the launch of their direct-to-cellular service.

The company also said that SpaceX would not be able to provide stable satellite coverage unless the FCC relaxed its requirements. Now that the FCC has refused to do so, it is possible that AT&T and Verizon will deploy their satellite services before T-Mobile while SpaceX meets the FCC's requirements.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *