FCC to vote on auctioning 25MHz of 'prime spectrum' in move that could benefit Amazon, SpaceX
The Federal Communications Commission announced a vote on auctioning 25 megahertz of prime spectrum. The proposed auction aims to support direct-to-device satellite services and eliminate cell dead zones. Major satellite operators, including Amazon and SpaceX, are expected to vie for the radio frequencies as they expand smartphone connectivity networks via satellite. The initiative follows the recent approval of a Starlink Mobile upgrade and forms part of a broader push to unlock mid-band spectrum and enhance satellite-based communication capabilities across the industry.
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- ✓ The Federal Communications Commission announced it will vote on auctioning 25 megahertz of prime spectrum.
- ✓ The proposed spectrum auction aims to boost direct-to-device satellite services.
- ✓ Companies such as Amazon and SpaceX could benefit from the spectrum auction.
- ✓ SpaceX and Amazon have moved to expand providing direct-to-device services with networks of satellites.
What changed
The Federal Communications Commission formally announced a vote on advancing a new spectrum auction dedicated to direct-to-device satellite services.
Live updates
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FCC to Vote on 25MHz Spectrum Auction for Direct-to-Device
The Federal Communications Commission announced a vote on auctioning 25 megahertz of prime spectrum. The proposed auction aims to support direct-to-device satellite services and eliminate cell dead zones. Major satellite operators, including Amazon and SpaceX, are expected to vie for the radio frequencies as they expand smartphone connectivity networks via satellite. The initiative follows the recent approval of a Starlink Mobile upgrade and forms part of a broader push to unlock mid-band spectrum and enhance satellite-based communication capabilities across the industry.
Why it matters
Satellite companies are racing to deploy direct-to-device networks that connect standard smartphones directly to orbiting hardware without requiring ground cell towers. Acquiring prime mid-band spectrum is vital for expanding these space-based smartphone services. The Federal Communications Commission is positioning this auction to help close connectivity gaps in remote areas.
What is confirmed
- The Federal Communications Commission announced it will vote on auctioning 25 megahertz of prime spectrum.
- The proposed spectrum auction aims to boost direct-to-device satellite services.
- Companies such as Amazon and SpaceX could benefit from the spectrum auction.
- SpaceX and Amazon have moved to expand providing direct-to-device services with networks of satellites.
- The Federal Communications Commission previously approved a Starlink Mobile upgrade.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the Federal Communications Commission vote on advancing the spectrum auction.
- Official bidding participants and rules released for the 25 megahertz spectrum sale.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- CNBC — FCC to vote on auctioning 25MHz of 'prime spectrum' in move that could benefit Amazon, SpaceX
- SpaceNews — FCC tees up another D2D boost after approving Starlink Mobile upgrade
- Reuters — US FCC to vote on advancing new spectrum auction to boost 'direct to device' services
- Engadget — The FCC Proposes New Mid-Band Spectrum Auction And Unlocking 800MHz For Drones
- www.cnbc.com — FCC to vote on auctioning spectrum, move could benefit Amazon ...
- www.techechelon.com — FCC to Vote on Auctioning 25MHz of Prime Spectrum in Push to ...
- www.pcmag.com — FCC to Auction Spectrum That SpaceX, Amazon, and AST All Want
- www.wol.com — FCC to vote on auctioning spectrum, move could benefit Amazon ...
- www.gate.com — FCC to Vote on 25MHz Spectrum Auction for Satellite Services
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