FCC Approved 1,050 MHz of New Satellite Spectrum
The federal order opens 12.7-13.25 GHz bands for satellite use while aligning with several SpaceX technical requests.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Space
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Should federal regulators prioritize satellite operator access to radio spectrum over other potential commercial uses?
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a spectrum abundance order, granting satellite operators access to 1,050 MHz of new frequency capacity. The ruling formalizes the use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Ku-band and adds nationwide licensing for V-band gateways.
Why it matters
This order expands the available radio frequency environment for high-capacity satellite constellations by prioritizing satellite access over potential terrestrial alternatives. By adopting five of seven changes proposed by SpaceX, the FCC has shifted the regulatory framework to better accommodate modern broadband infrastructure.
The order authorizes 1,050 MHz of total new spectrum, centered on the 12.7-13.25 GHz Ku-band and a new 42-42.5 GHz V-band range for gateway infrastructure. These allocations follow five of seven requested changes from SpaceX, though GSO terminals retain secondary status to NGSO downlinks.
The players
Federal Communications Commission
The independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
SpaceX
An aerospace manufacturer and satellite communications company that operates the Starlink constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites.
The details
The FCC mandate reconfigures how orbital assets interface with ground-based networks by formally designating the 12.7-13.25 GHz band for satellite use. Geostationary (GSO) satellite terminals — hardware positioned in a fixed orbit relative to Earth — on mobile platforms like aircraft or ships remain secondary in priority to Non-Geostationary (NGSO) downlinks. The framework also simplifies V-band access, authorizing nationwide gateways to support high-throughput data backhaul.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: SpaceX requested seven specific technical amendments to the draft order.
September 30, 2026: FCC commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the final spectrum abundance order.
The Tech Race
This decision updates the regulatory landscape by favoring satellite-based broadband expansion over terrestrial alternatives. It follows a competitive trajectory where the FCC is increasingly formalizing spectrum proposals for operators like SpaceX to secure more bandwidth in the Ku-, Ka-, and D-bands.
The availability of this spectrum will likely facilitate faster and more reliable satellite broadband services for high-mobility users, including those on commercial aircraft and maritime vessels. Changes to the underlying infrastructure will manifest once operators integrate these frequency bands into their active hardware and network configurations.
The takeaway
The FCC has cleared a path for significant satellite spectrum expansion, effectively removing terrestrial competition from the cost-benefit calculus. Watch for future Commission formalization of draft proposals regarding Ka- and D-band spectrum usage.
Further reading
For more background on orbital infrastructure, visit the Space section.
Live Poll
Should federal regulators prioritize satellite operator access to radio spectrum over other potential commercial uses?
