FCC Chair Calls for Revised Satellite Spectrum Rules
Proposal Would Clarify Coordination and Sharing Requirements
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed revised spectrum sharing rules for non-geostationary orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems. This proposal would seek to clarify certain methodology details from the 2023 Report and Order that previously updated the Commission’s rules governing coordination and protection requirements among NGSO FSS systems approved through different processing rounds.
“Given the unprecedented number of license applications the Commission has received for these satellite systems, it’s critically important that these satellites can operate side-by-side with systems approved in recent years and into the future."
Jessica Rosenworcel
The proposed Second Report and Order will build upon the rules adopted in 2023 to clarify certain details of the degraded throughput methodology that, in the absence of a coordination agreement, must be used in compatibility analyses by NGSO FSS system licensees authorized through later processing rounds to show they can operate compatible with, and protect, NGSO FSS systems authorized through earlier processing rounds.
“Given the unprecedented number of license applications the Commission has received for these satellite systems, it’s critically important that these satellites can operate side-by-side with systems approved in recent years and into the future,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “These proposed rules would advance the Commission’s commitment to updating and refining the governance of these systems and support the agency’s efforts to promote development and competition in broadband NGSO satellite services.”
An accompanying Order on Reconsideration would address the petition for reconsideration filed by OneWeb on the Commission’s 2023 Report and Order.