Iridium petitions FCC to block SpaceX Starlink gateway spectrum use

Iridium has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against SpaceX, alleging that Starlink’s new gigabit-speed gateway stations could cause significant radio interference.

In a letter to the FCC, Iridium’s legal counsel stated that preliminary simulations indicate the interference from SpaceX gateways would exceed maximum permissible levels, potentially impacting Iridium’s own ground facilities. Iridium is specifically urging the FCC to block SpaceX from utilizing certain radio spectrums, including the 19.4 to 19.6 GHz and 29.1 to 29.3 GHz bands, which are used for Iridium’s mobile satellite services.

To achieve higher data speeds, SpaceX is expanding its infrastructure by launching next-generation V3 satellites and constructing new gateway facilities across the United States. The company has already filed numerous applications for these sites, including a major facility in Bastrop, Texas.