According to the FCC:
We initiate these proceedings to explore opportunities to make over 20,000 megahertz of spectrum available for satellite use across four bands.
In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), we seek further comment on ways to use the 12.7-13.25 GHz band (12.7 GHz band) and the 42.0-42.5 GHz band (42 GHz band) more efficiently and intensively, in order to promote technological innovation, the growth of the nation’s economy, and greater connectivity for the American public. Previously, the Commission has sought comment on ways that the 12.7 GHz band and 42 GHz band could be used more intensively by terrestrial wireless communications to achieve these goals. This FNPRM seeks comment on ways that these bands could be used more intensively by satellite communications, as an alternative or a complement to the previous proposals for terrestrial wireless communications in these bands.
We are interested in opening the 12.7 GHz band to a wider range of satellite operations by eliminating regulatory restrictions that prevent intensive satellite use of the band. Geostationary orbit (GSO) operations in the 12.75 13.25 GHz band are currently limited to communications between domestic and international points. Meanwhile, non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) operations in this band are limited to uplink communications with individually licensed earth stations. We are also interested in exploring more intensive use of the greenfield 42 GHz band by seeking comment on an allocation for fixed-satellite service. In both instances, we seek comment on ways to protect any incumbent spectrum users in the bands, as well as ways to protect spectrum users, particularly Federal operators, in adjacent bands.
In the accompanying Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, we seek comment on proposals to make additional spectrum resources available for satellite communications, particularly satellite broadband, in two bands the Commission has not previously considered. First, we invite comment on proposals to open up spectrum for satellite communications in the 51.4-52.4 GHz band (52 GHz band). Next, we seek comment on certain “W-band” frequencies (92.0-94.0 GHz, 94.1-100 GHz, 102.0-109.5 GHz, and 111.8-114.25 GHz). Both bands represent large swathes of spectrum that are largely unused for non-Federal services today. They are also the subject of considerable interest by stakeholders for commercial satellite use. Allocations for satellite services in these bands could facilitate the growth and innovation of next-generation satellite services and present a “first-mover” advantage for U.S. licensed operators.
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Mobile-satellite |
Fixed-satellite |
Document type and status: FCC proceeding (Current) Document date or date of hyperlink query: May 28, 2025 Fcc Docket(s): SB 25-180, GN 22-352, WT 23-158, GN 14-177 |
FCC FNPRM and NPRM on Additional Satellite Spectrum
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