AT&T and other entities are trying to block the SpaceX/T-Mobile plan to provide Starlink satellite service directly to cell phones.
In a filing yesterday, AT&T urged the Federal Communications Commission to reject the SpaceX/T-Mobile proposal. “The FCC’s rules do not permit SpaceX’s proposed use of T-Mobile’s terrestrial spectrum, and Applicants fail to even request—much less justify—rule waivers that would be necessary to authorize their proposed SCS [supplemental coverage from space] authorizations,” AT&T said.
AT&T said it is interested in the proceeding because it has a license to use adjacent spectrum in the PCS C Block. AT&T says the SpaceX/T-Mobile plan, which was announced in August 2022, could “jeopardize or inhibit the delivery of terrestrial wireless services,” including mobile broadband.
SpaceX and T-Mobile’s “technical showings are woefully insufficient regarding the risk of harmful interference posed by their planned SCS deployments,” AT&T told the FCC. “SpaceX and T-Mobile’s applications fall far short of meeting the threshold for waiver and cannot be granted in their current state.”
Plan affects up to 7,500 satellites
The FCC last month sought comment on the application, noting that SpaceX requested modification of its license for low-orbit Earth satellites “to add a direct-to-cellular communications capability on up to 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites.” The links to consumer devices would rely on the 1910-1915 MHz (Earth-to-space) and 1990-1995 MHz (space-to-Earth) bands, also known as PCS G-Block, the FCC said.
The FCC is on board with satellite companies and mobile carriers partnering to close gaps in wireless networks. In a March action, the FCC proposed a new regulatory framework to help satellite operators and wireless companies “leverage the growth in space-based services to connect smartphone users in remote, unserved, and underserved areas.” But the FCC could still reject or require changes to the SpaceX/T-Mobile plan.