FCC expands satellite spectrum to increase broadband capacity

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted an order to expand satellite spectrum use, opening more than 1,000 megahertz across the 12.7–13.25 GHz and 42–42.5 GHz bands. This regulatory change is intended to provide fixed-satellite services with increased capacity for broadband connections, gateway links, user terminals, and communications for aircraft and maritime vessels.

In the upper 12 GHz band, the order permits two-way fixed-satellite service operations, including uplinks from licensed gateways to satellites in both geostationary and non-geostationary orbits. In the 42 GHz band, the order allows downlinks to licensed satellite gateway and feeder-link stations. While the expansion aims to address capacity constraints, the commercial utility of the new spectrum will depend on future licensing, equipment standards, and interference management with existing users.