SpaceX is telling the FCC it should be able to harness the same radio spectrum as the iPhone 14’s satellite connectivity function to help create a competitive market.
“The Commission should maintain its commitment to competition by granting SpaceX’s application to share the band,” the company told(Opens in a new window) the FCC on Friday.
SpaceX sent the message after Globalstar—which is powering the iPhone 14’s satellite connectivity—urged the FCC to reject SpaceX’s request for access to the 1.6/2.4GHz spectrum, which it also uses for its own satellite services.
SpaceX plans on using the radio bands to power a mobile version of its Starlink satellite internet service capable of beaming data to cellular dead zones. However, Globalstar fears the spectrum push will generate interference with its own satellite-based systems, including for the iPhone 14.
“Globalstar is eager to compete with MSS [mobile-satellite services] systems operating on unused or otherwise available spectrum, but the Commission should summarily reject unsubstantiated requests that would undercut regulatory certainty and stability and threaten harmful interference to Globalstar’s systems,” the company told the FCC earlier this month.
In response, SpaceX is pushing back by saying the FCC never gave Globalstar exclusive access to the 1.6/2.4GHz spectrum. “Globalstar’s response misses the Commission’s fundamental objective in allocating the band—a competitive market where multiple co-frequency operators efficiently share critical spectrum resources,” SpaceX says.
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Elon Musk’s company also insists it can work with Globalstar to prevent interference while maximizing use of the same spectrum for the American public. “While SpaceX is ready, able, and willing to coordinate with other MSS systems, Globalstar appears entirely unwilling to even try,” SpaceX says. “Access to these bands will enable SpaceX to support a compelling array of services for connecting Americans wherever they are.”
The regulatory battle risks derailing SpaceX’s plans for a mobile Starlink service if the FCC rules against the company. SpaceX is aiming to use the 1.6/2.4GHz bands to both receive and transmit data over the upcoming service. In addition, the company has requested access to the 2GHz band, but rival company Dish Network is objecting.
