Off the back of several new partnerships, the framework aims to facilitate further collaboration between satellite providers and mobile operators
Using satellite technology to fill mobile coverage gaps: On 16 March 2023, the FCC proposed a new regulatory framework to facilitate ‘innovative collaborations’ between the satellite and mobile industries. Various partnerships have been launched recently, which leverage the growth in space-based services to connect smartphone users in unserved and underserved areas. To that end, the FCC is seeking to establish clear and transparent processes to support supplemental coverage from space – something the regulator considers can be life-saving in rural locations where no terrestrial mobile service is available while also presenting new opportunities for consumers and businesses. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking outlines the rules by which satellite players collaborating with terrestrial providers would be able to obtain FCC authorisation to operate space stations using certain currently licensed, flexible-use spectrum.
Proposed regulation is part of a wider set of policy initiatives: The FCC proposes allowing authorised non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite operators (such as SpaceX), to apply to access terrestrial spectrum if certain prerequisites are met, including a lease from the licensee within a specified geographic area. A satellite operator could then serve a mobile operator’s customers in the most remote parts of the country. The FCC will also seek comment on how this framework might best support access to the emergency services when a consumer is connected via supplemental coverage from space. Its proposals come not long after the creation of a dedicated ‘Space Bureau’ to better support the growing industry’s needs, meanwhile policymakers progress two bipartisan bills (the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act and the Secure Space Act) that aim to modernise satellite licensing rules, promote responsible use of space, protect national security and advance US leadership.
Satellite made its presence known at this year’s MWC: The FCC’s draft framework was discussed by Chairwoman Josephine Rosenworcel at MWC23, where she highlighted the potential for satellite-to-phone services to make “mobile dead zones a thing of the past”. Indeed, narrowing the digital divide was one of the key benefits of satellite outlined at the event. Lynk argued that satellite was needed in order to get 5G to everyone, while Three UK stated that there are some areas that mast-based solutions inevitably will not reach and therefore mobile operators may want to consider the potential capabilities of alternative technologies. With a number of partnerships announced at or during the week of MWC23 (e.g. OneWeb/VEON and Starlink/Salt), some satellite players were keen to stress their intention to collaborate, rather than compete, with the telecoms sector.
