SpaceX attacks Dish over 12 GHz argument

SpaceX said it’s up to Dish and its allies to show their proposed use of 12Ghz spectrum won’t harm satellite companies. SpaceX told the Federal Communications Commission that it should move "expeditiously” to terminate the Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) licensees, of which Dish is the biggest one, because it’s a “failed service” encumbering next-generation satellite services that are trying to put the spectrum “to its highest and best use.” The comments come as the FCC is contemplating future uses of the 12 GHz band through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) process that started in early 2021. Dish and other MVDDS licensees have been pushing the FCC for years to change the rules so that they can use the spectrum for 5G, which currently is prohibited under the rules. Satellite companies, including SpaceX, want to use the band for their own next-generation satellite services, like Starlink, which they argue already are serving hard-to-reach areas of the country with broadband. The FCC is gathering comments from all sides on the issues, and ultimately, it will be up to the FCC to decide the fate of the band and its current and intended users.