FCC green lights SpaceX’s move to a showdown with Verizon and AT&T

The FCC voted to advance a proposal opening 482 MHz of spectrum for satellite service directly to phones, a step that could expand SpaceX's Starlink Mobile competition with major wireless carriers, according to Teslarati. The notice would increase eligible bands for supplemental coverage from space from five to 13 and includes a companion auction of 25 MHz in two bands. The vote opens a public comment period with comments due 60 days after Federal Register publication; final rules will follow.

Carriers AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, through CTIA, asked the FCC to drop 290 MHz in the 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz bands, citing interference risks, while SpaceX requested adding the 902-928 MHz band. A key structural change would replace nationwide spectrum leasing with coexistence agreements for planned service areas or self-held terrestrial licenses. SpaceX has pursued the latter path, acquiring EchoStar's AWS-4 and H-block licenses in a roughly $17 billion deal and Grain Management's 800 MHz portfolio. The FCC recently approved SpaceX's purchase of three AWS-3 licenses and a plan for 15,000 next-generation direct-to-cell satellites, with Shotwell targeting early 2028 for service on SpaceX's own airwaves.

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FCC green lights SpaceX’s move to a showdown with Verizon and AT&T — Teslarati