The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules that make more than 1 GHz of additional spectrum available for satellite communications, opening parts of the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands for expanded satellite use. The new allocations are intended to increase capacity for satellite broadband networks, mobile satellite connectivity, inter-satellite communications, and spacecraft operations.
The decision gives satellite operators access to additional downlink spectrum for consumer terminals, increasing the amount of bandwidth available for satellite broadband services. The FCC said the move could improve residential broadband capacity, particularly for low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations serving remote and underserved areas. It also expands spectrum access for earth stations in motion, supporting satellite connectivity for aircraft, ships, vehicles, and drones.
The order also provides additional spectrum for fixed earth stations used to route traffic within satellite ground networks and for inter-satellite links that allow satellites to communicate directly with one another. New allocations for telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) functions will support spacecraft command, monitoring, and mission operations.
Commenting on the decision, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said: “Today’s decision will unlock more than 1,000 megahertz of additional spectrum in the 12.7 and 42 GHz bands to ensure bountiful downlink spectrum that comes directly to consumer terminals, providing more bandwidth for in-home satellite broadband.”
Alongside the final rules, the FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) seeking comments on opening additional spectrum for satellite services. The proposal examines making 1,450 MHz of spectrum in Ku– and Ka-band frequencies available for more intensive satellite use and explores satellite access to 138.25 GHz of D-band spectrum.
The Commission also expanded its ongoing proceeding on emerging space missions beyond traditional communications services. The initiative covers activities like in-orbit servicing, refueling, manufacturing, assembly, and lunar operations, all of which require dedicated spectrum resources for spacecraft control and data transmission. The FCC’s action forms part of a broader effort to increase spectrum availability for satellite systems as demand grows for broadband connectivity, direct satellite communications, commercial space activities, Earth observation, and future space infrastructure.
FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty commented, “Greater capacity can support more services, more competition, and more choices for American consumers. It can also strengthen our ability to secure and defend our vital national security interests in this critical domain.”
Why this matters
Beyond consumer broadband, the ruling addresses spectrum needs across the satellite ecosystem. Additional capacity in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands supports not only user links, but also ground-network backhaul, satellite-to-satellite communications, mobile platforms, and spacecraft control systems. The accompanying proposals indicate that the FCC is also looking at significantly larger allocations in higher-frequency bands to support future satellite and space-based services.
Click here to learn more about the latest developments from FCC.