Advanced Television

FCC

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

AST ups satellite production

AST SpaceMobile, which is just a few weeks away from launching its seventh satellite (BlueBird FM2) into orbit on a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket, has issued a statement saying that it is currently producing approximately six satellites per month from its Midland, Texas facilities. However, AST’s ambitions are considerable. It has previousely stated that […]

January 20, 2026By Chris Forrester

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

SpaceX complains to FCC over AST SpaceMobile

SpaceX currently dominates satellite activity with over 9,000 satellites in orbit and ambitions to deliver ‘Direct-to-Consumer’ telephony. AST SpaceMobile has just six satellites in orbit but has dozens of major telcos signed up to its Direct-to-Consumer cellular plan and this year will have 45-60 satellites in orbit. SpaceX, on January 6th, has written to the […]

January 8, 2026

Pearl TV launching NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Programme

As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers next steps on the transition to ATSC 3.0 television broadcasting in the US, Pearl TV has announced the NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Programme, an industry-led effort focused on ensuring that over-the-air TV households have an affordable and user-friendly way to access NEXTGEN TV services while continuing to rely […]

January 5, 2026

FCC examines SpaceX’s 15,000 sat-constellation plan

The FCC’s Space Bureau has opened a consultation period into a SpaceX modified application to launch 15,000 satellites into a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). According to the FCC’s Public Notice DA 25-1018 (released December 5th) the Space Bureau confirmed the application meets the baseline technical requirements for consideration. This procedural milestone triggers a 30-day […]

December 11, 2025

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

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

SES backs C-band action from FCC

The FCC unveiled plans earlier this week to again hold an auction of satellite C-band spectrum. It has now emerged that SES, the main satellite beneficiary of the restructuring, is firmly in favour of the FCC’s scheme. The FCC plan is to auction “at least” 100 MHz by July 2027. The FCC said the commission […]

October 31, 2025