AT&T sought a request by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block T-Mobile’s plans to use Starlink satellites to enhance its mobile network service.
for SpaceX, owner of Starlink; whose latest specter is controversy asLimit Dispute With Dish Network Over 12GHz Spectrum.
In the filing, dated May 18 and the same day SpaceX won its case against Dish, AT&T mentioned the importance of coverage of space supplements (SCS) not interfering with existing terrestrial services.
The carrier is responding to the FCC’s request for authorization after T-Mobile and SpaceX to deploy SCS to supply the operator’s terrestrial mobile network using SpaceX’s satellites.
T-Mobile and SpaceX plan to use T-Mobile’s PCS G Block broadband spectrum, according to the filing.
The two companies outlined their plans for mobile connectivity from space in August of last year, as part of plans to leave no area without coverage in the US through Starlink satellites.
AT&T has plans to deal with it, as well as license specific adjacent spectrum spectrum; and there is concern that satellite telephone operators could disrupt the delivery of terrestrial wireless service.
“Americans rely on wireless connectivity to access telehealth platforms, educational resources, important government services, and more,” the state filing said. “The Commission should assess the potential of deploying SCS to protect these critical terrestrial networks.”
“FCC rules do not permit SpaceX’s proposed use of T-Mobile’s terrestrial spectrum, and Petitioners do not even request, let alone justify, the regulatory exemptions necessary to permit their proposals. In general, Petitioners’ technical demonstrations are woefully inadequate with regard to the risk of harmful interference that SpaceX outlines through SCS and T-Mobile applications that do not meet the exemption threshold and cannot be approved at this time.
“SpaceX and T-Mobile have also filed Form 608 with the FCC notifying the Commission that they are executing an agreement that allows SpaceX to use the frequencies. To date, it does not appear that SpaceX and TMobile are planning to test any of the SCS systems,” AT&T added.
In the presentation; AT&T also outlined its progress around the rollout of SCS services through its partnership with satellite partner AST SpaceMobile.
The operator said it “intends to provide the necessary demonstrations to show that it does not interfere with the interference of any ordinary terrestrial system” after the two submitted more forms to the WTB notifying that they have entered into a lease agreement with the low spectrum manager.
DCD has reached out to T-Mobile for further comment.
