On May 27, 2025, the FCC released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM and NPRM, respectively) aimed at advancing spectrum availability and policy for satellite communications. The initiative focuses on ensuring U.S. leadership in satellite innovation amid rapidly increasing demand for high-speed connectivity driven by streaming, cloud services, and AI applications.
The FNPRM seeks comment on expanding satellite use in two key frequency bands:
- 12.7-13.25 GHz band (12.7 GHz band): The FCC is exploring removing regulatory restrictions to allow more intensive satellite use, including by geostationary (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite systems, as well as Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs). This includes potential removal or modification of the Table of Allocations Footnotes NG52 and NG57, which currently limit satellite operations.
- 42.0-42.5 GHz band (42 GHz band): The 42 GHz band is currently unused in the U.S. and has no active licensees, although it is allocated for non-Federal fixed and mobile services. With no existing deployments or service rules, it is considered “greenfield” spectrum, offering flexibility to design a future-focused licensing framework that can readily accommodate new technologies.
In the accompanying NPRM, the FCC also proposes:
- To open up the 51.4-52.4 GHz band (52 GHz band) and parts of the “W-band” (92.0-94.0, 94.1-100, 102.0-109.5, and 111.8-114.25 GHz) for satellite broadband services. These bands are largely unused today and offer significant new spectrum opportunities for next-generation satellite systems.
The Commission invites stakeholders to weigh in on technical, operational, and regulatory considerations, including international harmonization, protection of incumbent and adjacent band users (particularly Federal operators and radio astronomy services), and procedures for licensing and application processing. This proceeding marks a major step in the FCC’s effort to promote “spectrum abundance” and facilitate more efficient, innovative satellite operations across over 20 GHz of potential new spectrum.
Comments are due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments are due 60 days after publication.
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