FCC Modernizes Its Satellite Spectrum Sharing Rules to Boost Super-Fast, Space-Based Broadband
New Rules Replace 90s-Era Regulatory Regime to Match Today’s Satellite Realities
   
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2026—The Federal Communications Commission today voted to modernize its satellite spectrum-sharing rules.  This is a major step toward enhancing the satellite broadband experience for millions of Americans by enabling faster speeds, lower costs, and greater reliability.  This change could also unlock more than $2 billion in economic benefits for the American people and up to seven-fold more capacity for space-based broadband services.   

The Report and Order adopted today replaces the Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) framework with modern, performance-based GSO protection criteria that take account of the improved spectrum sharing possibilities that modern satellite technology has brought, including through use of adaptive coding and modulation (ACM).  The new sharing regime builds on the Commission’s time-tested framework for good-faith coordination to allow NGSO and GSO operators to bargain for appropriate interference protections through voluntary, private agreements.

The current, decades-old regulatory regime has significantly limited the ability of operators to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband services to consumers.  Until now, NGSO operators’ power levels have been restricted by EPFD limits developed in the late-1990s to protect GSO satellites.  Such limits were based on theoretical designs for NGSO systems of that era, long before modern advancements were developed for the NGSO constellations currently in orbit.  This government-imposed overprotection of GSO systems has meant that American households and businesses—most critically in rural and remote areas—do not receive the fastest space-based broadband American innovation has available.

Action by the Commission April 30, 2026 by Report and Order (FCC 26-26).  Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving.  Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.

SB Docket No. 25-157

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