Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations providing direct to device (D2D) services rely on terrestrial mobile spectrum to operate. This is only possible through an agreement with a mobile network operator, as regulated by national frameworks governing such services. This was the case until recently, when AST SpaceMobile and SpaceX acquired Mobile Satellite Spectrum (MSS)… Read More »
The $23 billion deal announced today between AT&T and EchoStar to transfer EchoStar’s 600 MHz and 3.45 GHz spectrum is far more than just a spectrum transaction. It has several strategic consequences related to market structure that will unfold over the next few months. I’m listing some thoughts here upon announcing this deal today. The… Read More »
SpaceX argues that EchoStar isn’t fully utilizing its MSS spectrum (AWS-4 band), while EchoStar insists that meeting FCC deployment requirements should be enough to retain its license. This raises a key regulatory question: Should spectrum rights be based on actual usage, or is compliance with deployment rules sufficient? To what extent do commercial factors give… Read More »