The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rejected SpaceX's request to utilize the 1.6/2.4GHz radio spectrum currently employed by Globalstar for its satellite services, including those integrated into Apple iPhones. This decision is part of a recent FCC order aimed at establishing clear guidelines for companies seeking to use radio spectrum for satellite-to-phone connectivity, a rapidly growing market involving SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Amazon-Globalstar.
Background on Spectrum Access
SpaceX has long sought access to the 1.6/2.4GHz bands to enhance its Starlink Mobile satellite-to-phone service. However, in 2007, the FCC granted exclusive access to these bands solely to Globalstar and Iridium. SpaceX argued that it could share the spectrum with Globalstar without causing harmful interference, but the commission disagreed. In Thursday's order, the FCC stated it found "no policy or public interest reasons to overhaul the current licensing framework" that has provided regulatory certainty and stability since its inception.
FCC's Rationale
The FCC noted that Globalstar has invested significantly in expanding its satellite services, particularly to power emergency messaging on Apple iPhones. The commission highlighted the challenges of allowing additional users in these bands, stating: "Given the nature of MSS [mobile satellite services], including the ubiquity and portable nature of mobile devices, and the use of omnidirectional antennas, there are significant harmful interference challenges to incumbent users." Similarly, the FCC dismissed SpaceX's request to use the 1.5/1.6GHz bands originally authorized for Ligado Networks.
Specific Denials
The FCC order explicitly dismissed SpaceX's applications for modification of its Gen2 Starlink constellation to add operations in the 1525-1559 MHz and 1626.5-1660.5 MHz bands, both within and outside the United States. It also dismissed SpaceX's direct-to-cell (D2C) application for these bands. The commission stated: "We dismiss, with prejudice, the portions of SpaceX’s various applications to modify its Gen2 Starlink constellation... and we also dismiss, with prejudice, the portion of SpaceX’s D2C Application requesting operations in these bands."
Petitions for Rulemaking
SpaceX and Iridium had filed petitions for rulemaking to modify the spectrum environment for Big LEO (Low Earth Orbit) bands. SpaceX requested a revision of the licensing and spectrum sharing framework for the 1.6 and 2.4 GHz bands, while Iridium sought to share more of Globalstar's licensed spectrum at 1610-1617.775 MHz. Both argued that the spectrum could be used more intensively, with SpaceX claiming the 1.6 GHz band is underutilized. The FCC, however, found both petitions unconvincing, stating they lacked sufficient justification to disturb the longstanding certainty and stability of the spectrum plan. The commission noted that Globalstar has provided evidence of its spectrum use, including the first commercially available direct-to-device satellite services since 2022 through its partnership with Apple, the SPOT family of devices for emergency services, and IoT applications. Globalstar also submitted technical support showing that additional systems would cause harmful interference.
Conclusion
The FCC's decision reinforces the current spectrum allocation framework, prioritizing incumbent users like Globalstar and Iridium. This marks a setback for SpaceX's ambitions to expand its satellite-to-phone services using these specific bands, though the company may continue to explore other spectrum options for Starlink Mobile.
