Alongside a wider push to deregulate the communications sector, the FCC continues to focus its efforts on making more spectrum available for use by satellite providers
FCC proposals seek to encourage a more flexible use of licensed frequencies
On 29 October 2026, in the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted two Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) to:
Modernise direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services rules in licensed spectrum; and
Conduct a new auction of 25MHz of spectrum in the 1675-1695MHz and 2020-2025MHz bands.
The FCC has stated that it is proposing regulatory changes to “promote more flexible terrestrial, satellite, and hybrid business arrangements and to incentivise high-quality D2D services”. Its first NPRM would allow telecoms operators to lease almost 500MHz more spectrum to satellite providers for D2D services. Similarly, the proposed spectrum auction focuses on spectrum that operators can already lease to satellite providers. The FCC has stated that it will seek comment on the specifics of the second NPRM, although it is yet to announce any timeline for this consultation.
The “Delete, delete, delete” agenda is in full effect
The FCC’s 2024 Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) framework has allowed operators to lease spectrum to satellite providers, but this is currently only authorised in five spectrum bands: 600MHz, 700MHz, 800MHz, Broadband PCS and AWS-H Block. The regulator’s proposals would extend the SCS framework to 13 bands, making an additional 482MHz of spectrum available. It is also extending its “Delete, delete, delete” agenda for regulation by proposing to deregulate some “burdensome” SCS requirements, such as the need for routine waivers and geographically independent area and lease rules – which it considers too rigid. As a result of increased investment in mobile-satellite service (MSS) bands, the FCC is also considering whether it should codify the exclusive right to use certain MSS bands for incumbent licensees while also harmonising MSS and SCS rules.
The auction of 25MHz of mid-band spectrum will depend on the outcome of an NTIA study
The proposed auction would open 25MHz of spectrum up for terrestrial and non-terrestrial uses, but the FCC is also proposing to reallocate the 1675-1695MHz band on a “co-primary” basis for fixed and mobile, and on a secondary basis for MSS. However, it warns that this will depend on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) ongoing study into whether the band is suitable for D2D satellite services. The NTIA plans to issue its determination by July 2027, although Brendan Carr (Chair, FCC) has stated that he expects this sooner, in early 2027. The FCC’s proposals follow the recent completion of an auction for AWS-3 inventory spectrum, which raised approximately $3.5bn (£2.6bn), with Verizon’s bidding making up the vast majority of that figure, although T-Mobile, AT&T and SpaceX all successfully bid too. The FCC is set to make up to 400MHz of spectrum available for commercial use through auction by 2028 following the US Government’s reinstatement of its auction authority via the July 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
