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FCC to vote on auctioning spectrum, move could benefit Amazon, SpaceX
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- The FCC plans to vote on October 29 to auction 25 MHz of prime spectrum for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services to smartphones, aiming to enhance satellite connectivity.
- An additional 482 MHz of spectrum may be made available for supplemental space coverage, alongside modernization of FCC rules for licensed D2D services.
- These proposals could benefit companies like SpaceX and Amazon, both expanding satellite networks to provide direct-to-device connectivity, particularly targeting underserved users.
- The FCC also intends to vote on eliminating an outdated restriction on drone operations in the 800 MHz cellular band to support growth in the American drone economy.
- Recently, the FCC approved SpaceX’s application for a 15,000-satellite D2D system, and Amazon is pursuing a constellation of over 5,000 satellites and acquiring Globalstar to bolster its satellite internet business.
