The US Federal Communications Commission has adopted an order making 1,000 MHz of spectrum in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz ranges available for additional satellite connectivity. The rules cover consumer access, fixed gateways, inter-satellite links and some earth stations in motion.
At 12.7 GHz, fixed-satellite services can use uplinks and downlinks under defined licensing arrangements, including gateway and feeder links for geostationary and non-geostationary systems. The order also permits specified aircraft and maritime terminals. At 42 GHz, satellite downlinks gain access while existing terrestrial fixed services remain primary and terrestrial mobile becomes secondary.
For media operations, wider satellite capacity can affect remote connectivity, large-event backhaul and internet access aboard aircraft or ships. It is not a new broadcast allocation, and actual contribution use will depend on licensed services, terminal availability, coverage, pricing and interference coordination.
The commission also opened further proceedings covering 1,450 MHz in Ku and Ka bands and 138.25 GHz in D-band. Those proposals are not final. Deployment dates, equipment approvals and service-level performance under the adopted order remain to be demonstrated.
