FCC advances plan to open 482MHz more for satellite-to-phone service, a boost for SpaceX's Starlink Mobile
The FCC adopted a proposal to open another 482MHz for direct-to-device satellite service — a step toward SpaceX's Starlink Mobile, though no spectrum is assigned to SpaceX yet and final rules come after public comment.
Per Teslarati, the FCC voted Thursday (Oct. 29) to adopt a rulemaking proposal opening 482MHz more for direct-to-device satellite service, raising the bands available for supplemental coverage from space from 5 to 13. Separately, it is moving to auction 25MHz at 1675–1695MHz and 2020–2025MHz.
The vote does not hand SpaceX any spectrum. Public comment opens now and closes 60 days after Federal Register publication. Current rules require satellite operators to lease from every co-channel carrier in a region; the proposal would replace that with coexistence agreements or a certification of holding terrestrial licenses.
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile asked via CTIA to exclude the 2.5GHz and 3.45GHz bands (290MHz combined), and T-Mobile argued interference could sharply cut uplink coverage. SpaceX has been assembling spectrum, including the roughly $17B EchoStar licenses and an agreed Grain Management 800MHz deal, and targets its own spectrum-based service in early 2028 per Gwynne Shotwell. This is indirect news for Tesla shareholders.
Summaries are prepared by the Tesla Briefing editorial team and may not capture every nuance of the original reporting. You are solely responsible for your own investment decisions.