FCC Proposes New Mid-Band Spectrum Auction and Opening 800MHz Band to Drones
The US Federal Communications Commission has outlined three proposals, mostly concerning direct-to-device communications. They also include a 25-megahertz auction and opening the 800MHz band to drones.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has drawn up three proposals to change rules on wireless connectivity. A vote is planned later this month, and most of the plans focus on direct-to-device (D2D) communications between satellites and devices.
New rules for D2D service
The first proposal would overhaul the D2D rules. The stated aim is to promote more flexible terrestrial, satellite and hybrid business arrangements.
Mid-band spectrum auction
The second proposal is related to the first: auctioning 25 megahertz of mid-band spectrum. Bidders could use it for flexible-use terrestrial networks, innovative D2D operations, or a combination of the two. This may appeal to companies such as Amazon, which hope to join the growing field of satellite-based cellular service.
SpaceX is one company already active in this area, holding spectrum licenses it bought from EchoStar. Yesterday the FCC approved a SpaceX system of 15,000 satellites operating at 330 kilometers. This D2D push is separate from the company's efforts to launch a network of orbital data centers intended to supply computing power for artificial intelligence. The new satellites would add to its existing network of more than 11,000 Starlink satellites.
Drones on the 800MHz band
The third proposal would let drones operate on the 800MHz cellular band, which they are currently barred from using. If it passes, about 50 megahertz would open up for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Over the past year, the agency has imposed more restrictions on drones it considers security risks, whether because they contain foreign-made parts or are equipped with technology such as LiDAR.
