WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted during its open meeting on Thursday morning, Oct. 29, to advance proposed rules modernizing regulatory structures for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity across licensed flexible-use spectrum bands.
The rulemaking, docketed under GN Docket Nos. 26-281 and 23-65, expands the Commission’s Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) framework first introduced in 2024.
Proposed 482 MHz Allocation Framework
Under the newly adopted notice, the FCC is reviewing proposals to authorize up to 482 megahertz of additional spectrum for commercial satellite-to-cellular operations. The Commission proposes applying a license-by-rule mechanism to consumer earth stations communicating with space systems, eliminating individualized equipment certification mandates for standard terrestrial handsets. The regulatory item also outlines baseline interference limits and initiates technical inquiries to align SCS operations with legacy Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) standards. In an aligned proceeding, the Commission proposed auction guidelines for 25 megahertz across the 1675–1695 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz bands for terrestrial, orbital, or hybrid networks.
Carrier Opposition and Interference Concerns
The vote lands amid active industry resistance concerning mid-band spectrum sharing. Earlier this week, major U.S. mobile operators—including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—filed petitions asking regulators to shield 290 megahertz across the 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz frequencies from orbital operations. Wireless carriers cautioned that uncoordinated space-based downlinks risk elevating ground noise levels and triggering time-division duplex (TDD) frame interference on terrestrial cellular sites.
Upcoming Comment Schedule
The proceeding advances previous regulatory decisions, including the approval of flexible spectrum frameworks finalized earlier this year. Once the notice appears in the Federal Register, the Commission will open a 60-day public comment window to evaluate technical data regarding aggregate interference modeling and carrier coordination rules.
