The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is showing preferential treatment to Elon Musk’s satellite internet service again, by opening up more radio spectrum to Starlink, which promises to improve download speeds and capacity for the satellite internet service.
As PCMag reports, the FCC voted to open access to the 12.7-13.25GHz and 42-42.5GHz radio bands for fixed satellite services, such as Starlink.
Starlink dishes already use the 12.7-13.25GHz frequency range for Earth-to-space transmissions, or uploads. But now, the dishes and other fixed satellite internet services can use those bands for uplink and downlink, the FCC said in the draft order. The downlinking also applies to dishes in motion, meaning it should benefit Starlink use on planes and boats.
“In sum, we aggressively unlock 525 megahertz of spectrum for new uses, including high-speed consumer satellite broadband, in-demand flight connectivity, and core gateway functions, to the ultimate benefit of the American public,” the FCC wrote in the proposal. “We find that adding 525 megahertz of additional, contiguous downlink spectrum—a more than 25% increase–has the potential to accelerate broadband deployment in rural and remote areas.”
The FCC also greenlit the 42GHz spectrum for downlinking, but only for ground-based gateway stations that transmit data to the satellites, rather than consumer dish terminals. The commission noted that the spectrum is already used outside the US, and signaled the change will improve “core traffic-routing functions in satellite ground networks.” Adding the 42GHz should lead to 7.2% capacity increase for a high-throughput, low-orbiting satellite, the FCC’s analysis found.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the decision ensures “bountiful downlink spectrum that comes directly to consumer terminals, providing more bandwidth for in-home service.” Carr added, “Making next-gen satellite broadband faster and more reliable will not only benefit current subscribers, but also enhance competition for all consumers.” Carr was likely making a reference to how Starlink has been competing and luring some customers away from traditional ISPs.
SpaceX didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, so it’s unclear when Starlink might harness the additional spectrum. But typically, companies need to file a modification application with the FCC to use new spectrum. Still, the agency is hinting that consumers will see the benefits soon. “The Commission looks forward to witnessing how spectrum abundance will expand high-speed connectivity to underserved areas and unlock the next generation of space-based communications,” it says.
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