The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently made a significant decision to allocate more radio spectrum to non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) broadband providers. This move is set to improve broadband speeds and expand internet access, particularly in underserved areas across the United States. By opening up additional spectrum in the 17.3-17.7 gigahertz (GHz) band, the FCC is enabling NGSO satellite operators like Starlink to deliver more reliable and faster internet services to fixed points on Earth, such as homes and businesses.
This decision is part of the FCC's broader strategy to increase competition in the broadband market and promote spectrum efficiency. The regulator’s move will benefit a range of NGSO fixed-satellite service (FSS) operators, allowing them to access 1,300 megahertz (MHz) of contiguous spectrum. However, this access comes with specific conditions, such as sharing the frequencies with geostationary satellite (GEO) operators and adhering to strict power limits to avoid interference.
The Importance of the 17 GHz Band for NGSO Operators
The 17 GHz band represents a critical resource for NGSO operators, enabling them to provide enhanced satellite communications. NGSO satellites, which operate in lower orbits compared to their geostationary counterparts, offer several advantages, including lower latency and the ability to cover broader regions. These capabilities make NGSO satellites an ideal solution for delivering broadband to rural and remote areas that traditional terrestrial networks cannot easily reach.
By unlocking this new spectrum, the FCC aims to boost broadband speeds and improve the quality of satellite-based internet services. In a press release, the FCC emphasized that the new rules “promote spectrum efficiency, foster competition, and expand the ability of satellite operators to deploy advanced services, including high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas.”
The FCC's ruling comes at a time when demand for broadband connectivity is skyrocketing. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the digital divide in the United States, with many rural areas struggling to access reliable internet services. NGSO satellite operators like SpaceX's Starlink have already made significant strides in bridging this gap, and the additional spectrum will further enhance their ability to serve these communities.
Balancing Interests: NGSO and GEO Operators
One of the key challenges in opening up more spectrum for NGSO operators is managing potential interference with GEO satellite services. GEO satellites, which remain in a fixed position relative to the Earth, have long dominated the satellite communications market. Providers like EchoStar and DirectTV, which operate GEO satellites, raised concerns that allowing NGSO operators access to the 17 GHz band could interfere with their services.
In response to these concerns, the FCC conducted a public comment process and carefully considered the potential for interference. Ultimately, the regulator determined that NGSO FSS downlinks in the 17 GHz band are compatible with existing GEO services. The FCC's ruling ensures that NGSO and GEO operators can share the spectrum on a "co-primary basis," meaning that both types of satellites will have equal rights to use the frequencies, provided they adhere to power limits and other technical conditions designed to minimize interference.
However, the FCC also imposed restrictions on NGSO operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band. In this portion of the spectrum, NGSO operators will not be afforded the same interference protections as they are in the 17.3-17.7 GHz band. The FCC made it clear that NGSO FSS downlinks in this range cannot claim interference protections from existing and future terrestrial fixed service operations.
Global Coordination and Future Implications
The FCC's decision is aligned with international agreements made at the most recent World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), a United Nations-run event where regulators from around the world collaborate to coordinate the use of radio frequencies. These treaty-level agreements help ensure that satellite operators can offer consistent and reliable services across borders, which is particularly important for global satellite broadband providers like Starlink.
By aligning its rules with international standards, the FCC is positioning the U.S. satellite broadband industry for success in a highly competitive global market. This move not only benefits domestic broadband users but also enhances the ability of U.S.-based satellite companies to compete internationally.
In addition to improving connectivity for U.S. consumers, the FCC's decision could have significant implications for the future of satellite communications. NGSO satellites are increasingly seen as a key component of the global telecommunications infrastructure, and the additional spectrum will allow operators to deploy more advanced technologies, including high-speed internet and 5G services.
The Broader Impact on the Satellite Industry
The FCC's decision to expand spectrum access for NGSO operators reflects the rapid evolution of the satellite industry. Traditionally, GEO satellites have been the primary players in satellite communications, providing services like television broadcasting, weather monitoring, and broadband. However, the rise of NGSO satellites has disrupted this landscape, offering new possibilities for faster, more flexible, and lower-latency services.
One of the key drivers behind the growth of the NGSO market is the increasing demand for high-speed internet access. As more devices become connected to the internet and data consumption continues to rise, traditional broadband networks are struggling to keep pace. NGSO satellites offer a viable solution to this challenge, particularly in rural and remote areas where building out terrestrial networks is not economically feasible.
Companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon's Project Kuiper are at the forefront of this revolution, launching large constellations of NGSO satellites to provide global broadband coverage. SpaceX's Starlink, in particular, has already deployed thousands of satellites and is offering beta services in several countries, including the United States.
The additional spectrum provided by the FCC will enable NGSO operators to enhance their services, offering faster speeds and greater capacity. This, in turn, will drive greater competition in the broadband market, benefiting consumers with more choices and potentially lower prices.
Addressing the Digital Divide
One of the most significant benefits of the FCC's decision is its potential to address the digital divide in the United States. According to the Federal Communications Commission, more than 14 million Americans lack access to broadband with speeds of at least 25 Mbps, and this number is even higher in rural areas.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of broadband connectivity, as millions of Americans relied on the internet for remote work, online education, and telehealth services. However, many rural and underserved communities were left behind, struggling with slow or unreliable internet connections.
NGSO satellites offer a unique solution to this problem, as they can provide high-speed internet to even the most remote areas. By expanding spectrum access, the FCC is empowering satellite operators to deploy more robust networks and serve these underserved communities.
The FCC's decision is also in line with the Biden administration's broader efforts to expand broadband access across the United States. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in 2021, includes $65 billion in funding to improve broadband infrastructure, with a particular focus on rural areas.
Looking Ahead: The Future of NGSO Broadband
As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, the satellite industry is poised for significant expansion. The FCC's decision to allocate more spectrum to NGSO operators is a crucial step in supporting this growth and ensuring that satellite broadband can keep pace with the needs of modern consumers.
Looking ahead, NGSO operators will continue to innovate and deploy new technologies to enhance their services. The additional spectrum in the 17 GHz band will allow for faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity, making satellite broadband a more viable option for a broader range of consumers.
Moreover, as NGSO operators continue to deploy new constellations of satellites, we can expect to see increased competition in the broadband market. This competition will drive innovation, improve service quality, and potentially lead to lower prices for consumers.
In conclusion, the FCC's decision to expand spectrum access for NGSO operators marks a significant milestone for the satellite industry. By enabling NGSO satellites to deliver faster and more reliable broadband services, the FCC is helping to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Americans have access to high-speed internet, regardless of where they live.