The fight over whether US satellite operators should get access to spectrum used by mobile networks moved forward on two fronts last week, ahead of the FCC's open meeting on 29 October.
SpaceX gets AWS-3 licences on satellite terms
In an order adopted and released on 21 October 2026 (DA 26-1129, WT Docket 26-187), the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau approved the transfer of three unbuilt, unpaired AWS-3 licences in the 1695–1710 MHz band from Tristar/TLG Unpaired Holdings to Starlink Spectrum Holdings, a SpaceX company.
The licences cover three Basic Economic Areas: 62 counties in eight states, about 4% of the US population. The Bureau said SpaceX will be attributed 75 MHz of spectrum in each of these areas.
The order also waives the normal terrestrial build-out requirements. Tech Times reports that, instead, SpaceX must meet satellite service milestones starting from 30 November 2027, with checkpoints at two, four and nine years, and that failure to meet the final milestone would lead to revocation. The order builds on the FCC's earlier approval, on 12 May 2026, of SpaceX's acquisition of EchoStar spectrum (DA 26-471).
Carriers push back on 5G bands
Broadband Breakfast reported on 26 October that T-Mobile chief executive Srini Gopalan met Chairman Brendan Carr on Thursday 22 October to argue against allowing satellite use of the 2.5 GHz band, T-Mobile's main 5G spectrum. The wider wireless industry opposes direct-to-device use of prime 5G bands ahead of this week's vote.
What to watch
- The 29 October meeting outcome and any changes to the draft item following carrier lobbying.
- Whether the AWS-3 waiver model, swapping tower build-out for orbital milestones, becomes a template for further spectrum transfers to satellite operators.
- How the terrestrial operators respond if satellite firms gain access to bands they use for 5G.
Why it matters financially
- Prior deal: Tech Times puts SpaceX's earlier EchoStar spectrum deal at about $19.6 billion.
- This transfer: no price for the AWS-3 licences was reported. The licences cover about 4% of the US population, with 75 MHz attributed to SpaceX per area.
- Wider stakes: if satellite operators can use mobile operators' prime 5G spectrum, terrestrial carriers could face new competitors and interference costs, which is why T-Mobile is lobbying at chief executive level. No financial estimates were published.