FCC Updates 17 GHz Rules to Support Spectrum for Satellite Broadband

The Federal Communications Commission permits use of the 17.3-17.7 GHz band by geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) space stations in the fixed-satellite service (FSS). The FCC also permits limited GSO FSS use of the 17.7-17.8 GHz band on an unprotected basis with respect to fixed service operations. Permitting use of the 17.3-17.8 GHz band to include FSS downlinks increases intensive and efficient use of the band and provides additional downlink capacity for high-throughput satellite communications. The FCC seeks comment on whether to allow operations of non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) in the FSS in the 17.3-17.8 GHz band, similar to our action with regard to GSO FSS operations in these bands. The agency seeks comment on whether such an action would serve the public interest, and, if adopted, what technical rules and standards it would need to prevent harmful interference between authorized services in these bands while increasing efficient and effective use of the spectrum.