SpaceX plans to offer direct-to-device service using T-Mobile PCS G Block spectrum (see 2302080001) are facing pushback about possible interference, per comments Friday in docket 23-135. In an opposition to SpaceX's requested modification of its second-generation constellation authorization, Omnispace said the interference threats posed by its supplemental coverage from space (SCS) operations "are not difficult to grasp." It said SpaceX's plans for 1990-1995 MHz band downlinks violate the global allocation of that spectrum for mobile satellite service (MSS) uplinks. It said it would be "extremely difficult" to juggle powering down receivers and transmitters to avoid interference to and from satellites operating on a co-primary basis while also maintaining communications with user equipment on the ground. It said the SpaceX request should either be denied or conditioned so it doesn't cause interference to MSS operators licensed elsewhere or systems with higher ITU priority than SpaceX. FCC rules don't allow SpaceX's proposed use of T-Mobile terrestrial spectrum, and the two haven't asked for the waivers that would be needed to authorize those SCS operations, AT&T said. The FCC shouldn't take SpaceX at its word that it won't cause interference and instead needs to demonstrate that terrestrial licensees including T-Mobile will be protected, it said. Rural Wireless Association members with mobile and fixed network operations in the adjacent 1895-1910 MHz and 1975-1990 MHz bands in rural and remote areas also face interference threats from the SpaceX/T-Mobile plans, the RWA said. The modification application says nothing backs up SpaceX claims that there will be no harmful interference to the adjacent PCS C Block or AWS H Block. In response to concerns raised by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (see 2305050060), SpaceX said the issues it raises are better addressed in the agency's current proceeding to establish an SCS rules framework.

There are wireless/satellite schisms as the FCC tries to put together a framework for supplemental coverage from space (SCS) service. The divisions are over whether a preexisting arrangement with a terrestrial mobile operator should be a prerequisite, per docket 23-65 comments that were due Friday. The wireless industry is pushing for SCS applications to be handled by waivers, calling a rules regime premature. Multiple commenters called for streamlining the blanket earth station licensing framework. The SCS NPRM was adopted 4-0 in March (see 2303160009).

Section 25.112(a)(3) is squarely in the sights of the satellite industry and allies, with numerous calls for its elimination Monday in docket 22-411. Multiple commenters opposed dismissing applications that contain curable errors or omissions. The satellite licensing streamlining NPRM was adopted 4-0 in December (see 2212210054).

As part of its partnership with T-Mobile to provide satellite-to-cellular service (see 2208260038), SpaceX asked the FCC for U.S. market access for its German-licensed direct-to-cellular hosted payloads to communicate on an unprotected, noninterference basis in the 1910-1915 MHz and 1990-1995 MHz bands with mobile handsets already authorized to use those PCS G-block frequencies. In an International Bureau application Tuesday, SpaceX said its satellite-to-handset cellular operations will meet broadband PCS service technical limits "and thus will be indistinguishable from terrestrial PCS G-block operations from an interference perspective. "The system will merely put already assigned spectrum to more intensive use by allowing it to be received in locations where it cannot be received today," SpaceX said. It said the direct-to-cellular payload will be aboard a 2,016-satellite subset of the second-generation non-geostationary orbit constellation. It said the payload will support text messaging, voice service and basic web browsing over three to four 1.4 MHz bandwidth channels or one 5 MHz channel, both for downlinks and uplinks. It requested a waiver to use the 1910-1915 MHz and 1990-1995 MHz bands since they lack a satellite allocation under the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations.

Multiple wireless interests said Boeing's plans for a 2,956-satellite V-band constellation (see 1606230050) would limit terrestrial use of that spectrum for 5G services. The FCC's spectrum frontiers proceeding, not Boeing's application, is the best regulatory arena "to resolve important technology and policy issues for these bands," said the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) in a filing Thursday, urging the agency to deny the application. In its opposition, 5G Americas questioned whether fixed satellite services (FSS) and 5G can coexist in the bands.