AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have joined wireless industry group CTIA in challenging parts of a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposal to expand satellite-to-phone services, as SpaceX pursues access to 80,000 US cell towers for Starlink Mobile.
The companies raised concerns about interference, carrier control and the use of existing 5G frequencies.
According to an official CTIA filing dated October 22, representatives met separately with advisers to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Anna Gomez and Olivia Trusty on October 20. The group urged regulators to revise several provisions before moving forward.
The discussions follow the FCC’s October 8 draft proposal to expand Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS), which allows satellites to connect directly with ordinary phones using mobile carriers’ licensed frequencies. The proposal would open another 482 megahertz of spectrum, increasing the number of eligible bands from five to 13.
CTIA specifically requested the removal of Time-Division Duplex (TDD) frequencies, including the 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz bands. The group argued these frequencies are technically unsuitable for satellite service and currently support wireless connectivity for more than 300 million users.
At the same time, CTIA opposed replacing existing spectrum leasing requirements with agreements allowing satellite and terrestrial operators to share frequencies. It asked the FCC to preserve carrier consent, control and termination rights, while maintaining access to regulatory enforcement.
Despite those objections, CTIA acknowledged that satellite connectivity could extend coverage into remote communities and areas affected by disasters. SpaceX has not publicly responded to the filing.
The draft is scheduled for consideration at the FCC’s October 29 open meeting.
The letters comes just days after the FCC approved SpaceX’s acquisition of Tristar’s AWS-3 spectrum, a move that would allow Starlink Mobile to challenge the major carriers in the U.S.
Related Articles:
- SpaceX in Talks to Access 80,000 US Cell Towers for Starlink Mobile: Report
- FCC Approves SpaceX Deal for Tristar’s AWS-3 Spectrum to Expand Starlink Direct-to-Device Service
- AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Form Alliance to Tackle Starlink
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