Outdated 90s-Era Limitations on Power Output Degrade Service Experience

Avid users or would-be subscribers to satellite-based internet systems may be in luck soon, after the Federal Communications Commission voted to review a vintage set of spectrum rules as requested by SpaceX.

The long and short of things: The older FCC rules limited the output of satellite systems in the interest of safeguarding the public airwaves and minimizing congestion, but new technology and a new dynamic in the satellite industry are shaking things up. The FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking begins a formal proceeding to “enable greater and more intensive use of spectrum for space activities in the United States,” according to their announcement.

“Today’s satellite systems offer high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity across the country to American consumers and businesses and enable lifesaving communications in rural areas and during emergencies. In short, these satellites are bridging the digital divide. Even so, regulatory barriers hold satellite systems back from delivering even better coverage, capacity, and signal quality. Outdated power restrictions adopted decades ago represent the greatest limitation on modern commercial satellite capabilities,” the body continued in their statement.

The FCC will soon look to update power restrictions that govern the use of what they call the “workhorse satellite frequencies (Ku- and Ka- bands) that support the next generation of satellite broadband constellations in Low-Earth Orbit.” It’s a natural outcome from years of improvements and technical development, as the satellite market has evolved beyond high-dollar government machinery into a ubiquitous element of civilian comms infrastructure. If successful, end users of SpaceX, Project Kuiper, or any commercial satellite network in the USA will enjoy stronger signal output, which naturally leads to improved network service for everyone involved.

The proposed change isn’t welcomed with open arms across the telecomms industry, as one would expect. Cell carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have eyed any improvements for their biggest competitors with suspicion–no surprise considering their investment in terrestrial networking. AT&T and Verizon have objected to higher satellite power levels, asserting the change could add yet more interference to cell service on the ground. T-Mobile was a little less grumpy at the prospect, but it’s worth noting they’ve stolen a march on the others with a SpaceX deal for direct cell service to the constellation.

The usual FCC process takes time, and moves slowly, so there’s still plenty of time for everyone to relay their concerns, questions, and comments before anything is set in stone.

FMI: www.fcc.gov