FCC Adopts New Rules for Satellite System Spectrum Sharing

The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to support competition and cooperation in spectrum usage by satellite systems. The new rules will set forth important reforms that will govern how non-geostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems will function in a shared spectrum environment. These new rules will provide clarity regarding spectrum sharing between systems licensed in different processing rounds, granting primary spectrum access to systems approved earlier, while enabling new entrants to participate in an established, cooperative spectrum sharing structure. These updates will provide certainty for operators and facilitate innovation in system design, which will ultimately benefit broadband users.