FCC Opens Over 1,000 MHz of New Satellite Spectrum
What happened
The FCC voted Sept. 30 to adopt an order opening more than 1,000 megahertz of new satellite spectrum in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands. The 12.7 GHz band lets fixed-satellite operators uplink and downlink broadband to homes, aircraft and ships. The 42 GHz band opens gateway-station capacity under lighter licensing. Two companion proposals would open a further 1,175 megahertz of Ku- and Ka-band spectrum, plus new D-band allocations for spacecraft-control links. SES itself filed in the docket six days before the vote.
Read-across for SES
SES already flies Ku- and Ka-band GEO and MEO fleets, so new FSS allocations at 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz add licensable spectrum for broadband and gateway capacity. Every operator can apply for the same bands. SES filed its own ex parte in this docket six days before the vote, an active participant, not a bystander. The pending Ku/Ka and D-band proposals would widen that opportunity, and the competitive risk, across O3b mPOWER, meoSphere and IRIS² if adopted.
As the brief filed it
[AGE: 13h] The FCC adopted an order opening more than 1,000 megahertz of new satellite spectrum at 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz, with further Ku/Ka and D-band openings proposed. SES, an active docket participant, gains new licensable spectrum alongside every rival operator.