The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revised its satellite spectrum sharing rules for non-geostationary satellite orbit fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems. The new framework seeks to balance market entry for new systems with the protection of earlier systems, fostering competition while ensuring regulatory clarity and spectrum efficiency.
The updated rules confirm that earlier-approved systems retain primary spectrum access, while later systems must demonstrate compatibility through a refined “degraded throughput methodology.” The new criteria include a 3% time-weighted average throughput degradation for long-term interference protection and a 0.4% absolute increase in link unavailability for short-term protection. The FCC declined to add further protection metrics or aggregate interference limits. Additionally, the Commission reaffirmed a 10-year sunset period for inter-round protection requirements, dismissing OneWeb’s petition for reconsideration.
• Primary spectrum access: Systems approved in earlier processing rounds retain priority.
• Interference criteria: 3% long-term throughput degradation and 0.4% short-term link unavailability.
• New entrants: Later systems must demonstrate compatibility with existing systems.
• Sunset period: A 10-year limit applies to inter-round protection requirements.
• OneWeb petition: FCC denied reconsideration requests from OneWeb.
“The FCC has made real progress to modernize its space policies to ensure U.S. leadership,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Today’s update to our satellite spectrum sharing rules allows first movers to enjoy the advantage they’ve earned by daring to think big and take on risk, while also opening our skies to more competition.”
