In a win for SpaceX, the FCC unanimously voted to protect Starlink’s access to 12GHz spectrum from Dish Network’s efforts to use the same radio band for a ground-based 5G network.
In a Thursday meeting, the commission voted 4-0 “to preserve spectrum between 12.2-12.7GHz for current and future satellite services."
“We recognize that millions of people rely on services in this band, and we want to see that continue,” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said at the meeting.
Since last year, SpaceX has been arguing that Dish’s attempt to use the 12GHz spectrum for a cellular network risks interfering with and making Starlink “unusable” for most Americans. The companies have been debating the matter in dueling FCC filings that supplied their own studies examining the matter. But in the end, the US regulator sided with SpaceX, saying it found the interference risks with Starlink to be legit.
“Based on the studies filed, our engineers have concluded to date that high-powered mobile broadband, as we heard, when deployed throughout the country will interfere with established and emerging satellite services,” said Commissioner Geoffrey Starks.
“I would have welcomed a path forward that would allow both services to thrive, but for now it’s time for us to adapt,” he added.
Indeed, the FCC’s own staff is indicating Dish Network failed to make a strong case that its proposed 5G network could co-exist with Starlink.
“Even if the 5G advocates agreed to use advanced techniques for interference mitigation, that would not solve the underlying problem that a new ubiquitous 5G terrestrial service poses a significant risk of harmful interference to DBS (direct broadcast satellite),” commission staff wrote in their report(Opens in a new window).
In Thursday’s meeting, Commissioner Nathan Simington added that ground-based cellular services will need to make significant technical improvements to prevent the interference risks. “And unless, and until, we see terrestrial technologies deployed in real-world situations, the FCC in my view has no business betting the store on them by undermining the viability of fixed incumbent services,” he said.
In response to the vote, Starlink thanked the thousands of consumers who bombarded the FCC's online comment system last year to support SpaceX against Dish Network.
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However, the FCC isn’t shutting the door on using the 12GHz spectrum for cellular services entirely. Today’s vote still permits the commission to explore using the 12GHz for ground-based networks, but only following additional study and comments from the public.
“We also realize there may be additional potential in these airwaves,” Rosenworcel added. “So we are exploring ways to also use this mid-band spectrum for fixed license and unlicensed terrestrial services.” The FCC’s vote also means it’ll investigate tapping the 12.7 to 13.25GHz band for cellular uses, which SpaceX has previously said it supports.
That said, Simington noted that going forward, companies will need to supply “clear and detailed technical operational information, including studies—preferably real-world studies” to support their proposals for using the spectrum for ground-based cellular services.
Dish Network didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. But the 5G for 12GHz Coalition, which Dish is a member of, said it “remains committed to working with the FCC” on using the 12.2 to 12.7 and 12.7 to 13.25GHz bands to benefit US consumers.
“Taking steps to expand the 12GHz band will bridge the digital divide, increase competition, deliver next generation services to consumers, spur US leadership in wireless, foster Tribal connectivity, and promote digital equity,” the coalition added.
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May 19, 2023 at 12:17AM
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FCC Sides With SpaceX's Starlink in Dish Network Spectrum Spat - PCMag
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