The FCC made two decisions relevant to direct-to-device (D2D) services on Thursday, kicking off a proceeding to modernize D2D spectrum sharing rules, and proposing to auction 25 MHz of mid-band spectrum.
The Thursday vote begins the process to auction 1675-1695 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands up for auction to be used for D2D operations and flexible-use, terrestrial networks like 5G.
“The FCC intends to open this auction to a broad range of connectivity providers — from 5G and 6G to D2D, or some hybrid network. We expect big interest in this seemingly modest amount of spectrum — indeed, similar D2D bands are selling for tens of billions of dollars on the secondary market today,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement.
In addition, the FCC voted to start a rulemaking process to modernize the direct-to-device spectrum sharing rules put in place in 2024 with a goal of allowing more flexible arrangements between satellite and terrestrial operators. The 2024 supplemental coverage from space (SCS) framework allowed satellite operators to use mobile spectrum to provide direct-to-device coverage. The rulemaking was a first of its kind.
The proceeding kicked off on Thursday looks to increase the number of bands for SCS from five to 13 bands, and to make an additional 482 megahertz of spectrum available for SCS. It also seeks comment on eliminating certain requirements, including SCS geographically independent area and lease requirements.
Carr said that although the 2024 regulations had not been in place long, they were already out of date. He put the update in the context of the FCC’s work to cut regulation overall, and advance D2D services. He pointed to a $45 billion deal flow over the past year related to D2D spectrum between the SpaceX/EchoStar, Amazon/Globalstar, and Rocket Lab/Iridium transactions.
“In this item, we intend to give D2D providers more flexibility to obtain new sources of spectrum, but we do so mindful of the unique technical considerations that prevail in some of these bands. I am confident that we can bring more D2D flexibility while maintaining America’s world-class 5G networks,” Carr said.
The Satellite Industry Association commended the FCC for its work to expand spectrum for SCS and refresh the regulatory framework.
“Streamlining rules and ensuring access to critical radio frequency (RF) resources are more important than ever to sustaining the development and growth of satellite D2D connectivity and other essential space-based services,” SIA President Tom Stroup said in a release.
