FCC Recaps Work of the Space Bureau

The Federal Communications Commission heard reports on the agency’s work to create and build upon policy focused on the future of communications. One presentation summarized the FCC’s efforts to create its new Space Bureau, the future-forward policies created to fuel the New Space Age, and innovative spectrum efforts to enable the next generation of wireless technologies. These efforts included: 

  • Establishing the Space Bureau
  • Creating a Single Network Future: The FCC unanimously adopted a new regulatory scheme known as Supplemental Coverage from Space, which made it the first regulator in the world to issue a framework for connecting satellites directly to consumer handsets using spectrum previously allocated only to terrestrial service.
  •  Updating Orbital Debris Mitigation and Space Sustainability Rules
  • Dedicating Spectrum to Support Satellite Broadband Service and Novel Spectrum Use: The FCC opened the 17 GHz band for shared use by satellite systems in geostationary and non-geostationary orbits, which ultimately allows low-Earth orbit satellites to have greater capacity to support broadband services and low-latency applications like video calls and other real-time applications; adopted rules that refine the FCC’s non-geostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) spectrum sharing regime that provide clarity regarding 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.
  • Mid-Band Spectrum for 5G: The FCC focused on making additional spectrum available for 5G, particularly in the critical, mid-band range.
  • Making Spectrum Available for Drones, Commercial Space Launches, Public Safety Missions, and Vehicle Transportation
  • Expanding the Tools for Multiple Spectrum Uses to Co-Exist: The FCC examined new ways for multiple spectrum uses to co-exist in the 3.5 GHz band, expanding uninterrupted access in areas that cover approximately 72 million more people; and re-energized the work on the Lower 37 GHz band to examine how spectrum use might be enhanced through new data sources and technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
  • Increasing Spectrum for Unlicensed Devices: In the 6 GHz band, the FCC expanded access for unlicensed devices to an additional 1,200 megahertz which supports new Wi-Fi 6E devices as well as sets the stage for Wi-Fi 7 and beyond. The Commission also adopted new 60 GHz band rules, which expands the universe of unlicensed devices in 14 gigahertz of spectrum beyond simple networking technologies to also deliver new high-tech radar applications such as vehicular safety applications designed to ensure that a child is never again forgotten in the backseat of a car. These rules will also provide for innovative applications for drones as well as other uses.

 


FCC Recaps Its Work on the Future of Communications