Advanced Television

Spectrum

SES to FCC: “Don’t auction more than 160 MHz of C-band”

The FCC has suggested selling off as much as 180 MHz of satellite upper C-band spectrum in its upcoming auction. However, satellite operator SES, which now controls the bulk of the spectrum likely to be auctioned, is appealing to the FCC to keep the auction to no more than 160 MHz. “Clearing the maximum 180 […]

January 22, 2026

FCC approves extra 7,500 Starlink satellites

January 9th saw the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approve a batch of major requests from SpaceX to increase the size of the Starlink broadband-by-satellite fleet. The decision is notable in that the FCC has wasted no time in coming to its decision, and the benefits to SpaceX are considerable. The FCC said that it has […]

January 12, 2026By Chris Forrester

Ofcom spectrum boost for UK connectivity

Ofcom has proposed the next steps in plans that would see mobile masts and Wi-Fi routers in different locations, for the first time, be able to use parts of the same frequency band to transmit their signals, unlocking significant benefits for households, businesses and the wider UK economy. Historically, mobile and Wi-Fi services have had […]

January 9, 2026By Colin Mann

FCC sets June 2026 for next spectrum auction

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set June 2026 for its Auction 113 with bidding set to open on June 2nd 2026. The FCC issued its 276-page Public Notice on December 18th with guidance for how the auction will be handled. The filing window for interested parties opens on January 26, 2026, while ‘upfront’ pre-bidding […]

December 22, 2025By Chris Forrester

EchoStar: “Severe uncertainty” led to spectrum sales

Denver-based satellite operator EchoStar has told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it had no intention of selling off its valuable spectrum, but said it did so due to uncertainty fuelled by the FCC’s investigation into its usage. EchoStar sold spectrum to AT&T and SpaceX. The FCC filing confirmed a meeting between EchoStar founder and […]

December 10, 2025

Ofcom boost for satellite D2D

The race to bring satellite calls and texts to ordinary smartphones has begun, after UK comms regulator Ofcom announced its final decisions about how the technology can be rolled out. Mobile operators are now joining with satellite companies to deliver ‘direct-to-device services’ to everyday smartphones up and down the UK. This involves satellites hundreds of […]

December 9, 2025By Colin Mann

Study: Smarter spectrum policies could unlock €30bn in investment

Europe’s mobile operators could unlock billions in potential infrastructure investment, accelerating 5G standalone (5G SA) rollouts and boosting the continent’s economic output, if policymakers take a smarter approach to spectrum policy, according to a study from the GSMA. The report, Spectrum pricing and renewals in Europe, written by GSMA Intelligence, sets out how Europe’s long-standing […]

December 9, 2025

Rivada Space Networks wins spectrum dispute

Declan Ganley, CEO at Rivada Space Networks, says his firm has won a long-running dispute with Chinese-backed entities over Rivada’s rights to satellite spectrum. He commented: “I received good Thanksgiving day news from my excellent legal teams in Liechtenstein and Germany.” Ganley added: “[The decision is] a crushing victory over Chinese backed lawfare as we […]

December 2, 2025

FCC votes in favour of C-band spectrum

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-0 on November 20th to advance plans to auction key wireless spectrum crucial for advanced technology uses, with one objective being to improve connectivity between airlines and telecom companies, according to Reuters. The FCC said it was considering whether some C-Band wireless auction proceeds – likely to happen in […]

November 24, 2025By Chris Forrester

FCC issues C-band plan

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued its much-expected Notice of Proposed Rulemaking covering its wish to tap into satellite’s Upper C-band (3.84-4.2 GHz) spectrum. The FCC is inviting comments on a range of options including auctioning up to 180 MHz with the ultimate goal of maximizing the amount of spectrum for next-gen wireless services […]

November 24, 2025By Chris Forrester