SpaceX won its spectrum dispute with Dish Network after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to preserve Starlink’s access to 12GHz spectrum.
For Dish, that means You won’t be able to use the same radio bands for terrestrial 5G networksAs the FCC voted unanimously 4-0 in favor of SpaceX.
“First, we are taking steps to ensure the present and future of satellite services in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band. We recognize that millions of people depend on services in this band, and we want that to continue.” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, “But we also realize there may be additional potential in these radio waves, so we are exploring ways to use this mid-band spectrum for licensed and unlicensed fixed terrestrial services.”
SPaySeX and Dish have been at loggerheads for some time over this spectrum dispute.And SpaceX is concerned that Dish’s plan to use the 12GHz spectrum for cellular networks could interfere with its Starlink broadband services.
Starlink uses spectrum in the 12 GHz band to link its Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellites to user terminals.
Dish Network also uses frequencies in the band, as it provides linear TV programming in the 12.2 to 12.7 GHz band.
The FCC noted that Dish failed in its attempt to convince the commission that its proposed 5G network could co-exist with Starlink.
“Our engineers conclude based on the studies presented that high-power mobile broadband deployed across the country will interfere with established and emerging satellite services.” He added, “I would have preferred a solution that allowed both services to flourish, but for now, we must adapt.” Commissioner Geoffrey Starks,
The FCC also said it is examining the potential for expanding terrestrial fixed use or allowing unlicensed use in that spectrum, and Rosenworcel noted that the commission has identified the 12.7–13.25 GHz band as a prime candidate for new mobile use.
SpaceX subsidiary Starlink took to Twitter to thank the 100,000 people who expressed their support through the FCC’s online comment system against proposals to use Dish’s spectrum.
Late last year, SpaceX revealed that it had more than one million active Starlink customers in the US.
