New study refutes SpaceX claims about 12 GHz band

RS Access, one of the firms that holds 12 GHz licenses alongside Dish Network, is behind a new analysis that accuses SpaceX of using erroneous data in its evaluation of how satellite companies can use the adjacent 10.7-11.7 GHz band. SpaceX and OneWeb are considered non-geostationary orbit fixed satellite service operators, and they contend the 10.7-11.7 GHz band is too encumbered with other users for them to use it for their satellite services. They want to be able to use the 12.2-12.7 GHz band without having to deal with the likes of Dish and/or RS Access. The problem for the satellite players is Dish and RS Access want to use the 12 GHz band for 5G; entities in their camp include the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition. The 5G for 12 GHz Coalition includes more than 30 members, including Dish, Public Knowledge, Federated Wireless, Airspan, Altiostar, Dell Technologies, Rise Broadband, VMware and the Rural Wireless Association. One of the claims from SpaceX is the FCC’s database shows more than 880,000 fixed satellite links in the 10.7-11.7 GHz band, which would make it extremely crowded. But RKF’s assessment revealed only 69,000 fixed satellite call signs authorized to operate in the 10.7-11.7 GHz band.