The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules to open more than 1,000MHz of spectrum through its satellite spectrum abundance order.

The order was approved unanimously yesterday (30 September) by chair Brendan Carr and commissioners Nathan Simington and Anna Gomez.

The spectrum covers the 12GHz and 42GHz bands, which the FCC stated could support a range of connectivity services including satellite broadband to the home, in-flight and on-ship connectivity, and core traffic-routing functions in satellite terrestrial networks.

“We’ve been running our spectrum abundance playbook for pretty much everything in the sky,” Carr said. “We’ve taken multiple actions to free up spectrum for direct-to-device offerings, with much more of that to come in the next few months.”

The agency is also considering opening 1,450MHz in the Ku- and Ka-bands and 138.25GHz in the D-band for expanded satellite communications.

A second proposal would add bands for emerging space operations, including in-orbit servicing, refuelling and manufacturing, lunar missions, spacecraft control, and data transmission.

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