The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to reshape the satellite communication landscape by relaxing the power limits on satellite spectrum use. By doing so, it acknowledges the limitations of the current Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) framework, established in the 1990s, which some argue is no longer suitable for today’s satellite technologies.
Chairman Brendan Carr of the FCC highlighted the potential economic benefits, stating, “We could see billions of dollars in benefits for the American economy.” The proposed changes, set for a vote on April 30, aim to boost satellite performance and address the evolving needs of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite providers such as Starlink and Amazon Leo.
The current EPFD framework, designed to mitigate interference between geostationary (GSO) satellites and emerging non-geostationary satellite systems, places limits on signal power, affecting the speed of new LEO constellations. The FCC calls these outdated limits “an enormous regulatory constraint.” They argue that it hampers the delivery of high-speed satellite broadband to remote areas across the U.S.
With its new proposal, the FCC intends to implement a performance-based protection criterion that reflects current satellite capabilities. This approach will encourage coordination between satellite providers and be bolstered by technical safeguards if mutual agreements fall short. According to the FCC, this significant policy shift could bring $2 billion in economic benefits, fostering greater competition in broadband markets and potentially reducing consumer prices.
For example, the relaxation of spectrum limits could allow an NGSO system to deploy eight satellites in a given area instead of one, under the existing EPFD limits. This could boost capacity and thus translate into faster broadband speeds for consumers.
Aimee Silverwood, a financial analyst, illustrates this potential impact with her LinkedIn comment: “This could potentially increase broadband capacity seven-fold without launching a single new satellite.” This restructuring aims to lower unit costs and invigorate market competition, reducing broadband prices for end-users.
However, this move may not come without opposition. Companies like SpaceX, which previously petitioned for changes citing restrictive regulations on next-gen systems, might welcome these changes. Still, companies like Viasat and DirecTV have raised concerns about interference risk with their satellites. Recently, SES filed an objection citing increased interference concerns.
As this policy proposal heads for a vote, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the broader satellite and telecommunications industry. Nonetheless, the FCC’s attempt to modernize regulatory constraints reflects a drive to adapt to and encourage innovations within 5G and satellite communications.
