The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering three major changes to wireless connectivity rules that could influence how mobile devices, satellites, and drones communicate in the coming years.

The proposals, which are scheduled to go before the agency for a vote later this month, place particular emphasis on direct-to-device connectivity and more flexible use of wireless spectrum.

The proposals cover direct-to-device, or D2D, communications; a potential auction of 25 megahertz of mid-band spectrum; and expanded access to cellular spectrum for unmanned aerial vehicles.

The measures could create additional opportunities for satellite operators, wireless companies, and drone developers while changing how spectrum is allocated for emerging technologies.

FCC Looks to Expand Direct-to-Device Connectivity

The first proposal would overhaul the FCC’s existing rules for direct-to-device connectivity. D2D technology allows compatible mobile devices to communicate with satellites or other networks without relying exclusively on traditional terrestrial cellular infrastructure.

The FCC says the proposed changes are intended to encourage more flexible business arrangements involving terrestrial networks, satellites, and hybrid systems. Such flexibility could become increasingly important as satellite operators and telecommunications companies explore ways to extend mobile connectivity beyond conventional cell towers.

Rather than treating satellite and terrestrial networks as completely separate systems, D2D technology can allow them to complement each other. In areas where traditional cellular infrastructure is unavailable, satellite connectivity could potentially provide another means of keeping devices connected.

The regulatory changes could therefore become significant for companies developing satellite-to-cellular service, particularly as competition grows in the emerging D2D market.

Mid-Band Spectrum Could Attract New Satellite Connectivity Players

The FCC’s second proposal involves an auction for 25 megahertz of mid-band spectrum. The agency says the spectrum could support flexible-use terrestrial networks, innovative D2D operations, or hybrid systems that combine both approaches.

Mid-band spectrum is particularly important for wireless communications because it can provide a useful balance between coverage and capacity. Opening additional spectrum for flexible applications could give companies more room to develop new connectivity services without being restricted to a single type of network architecture.

The proposal could also attract interest from companies seeking to enter the satellite-based cellular market. Amazon, for example, has been pursuing opportunities in satellite connectivity and could potentially benefit from a regulatory environment that allows greater flexibility between terrestrial and satellite networks.

The proposed spectrum auction is therefore about more than simply assigning additional frequencies. It could influence which companies are able to compete in the next stage of wireless connectivity and how terrestrial and satellite networks interact.

SpaceX Continues Expanding Its Satellite Connectivity Ambitions

According to Engadget, SpaceX is already one of the most prominent companies in the D2D connectivity market through its Starlink satellite network. The company has spectrum licenses acquired from EchoStar and has been developing ways to extend connectivity through satellites.

The FCC recently approved SpaceX’s plans for a system involving 15,000 satellites operating at an altitude of 330 kilometers, according to the supplied report. The expansion would add to an existing Starlink constellation of more than 11,000 satellites.

SpaceX’s D2D activities are separate from another ambitious project involving orbital data centers. That initiative is aimed at providing computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence workloads rather than directly expanding cellular connectivity.

As far as we know, SpaceX is pursuing multiple space-based technologies at the same time. Its Starlink network is primarily associated with communications, while the proposed orbital data center concept is focused on computing capacity.

For the wireless industry, however, Starlink’s continued expansion demonstrates how satellite operators are becoming increasingly involved in services traditionally associated with terrestrial telecommunications.

FCC Also Proposes Opening 800MHz Cellular Spectrum to Drones

The third FCC proposal focuses on another emerging technology: drones.

Under current rules described in the supplied material, drones are prohibited from operating on the 800MHz cellular band. The FCC is proposing to change that policy, potentially opening approximately 50 megahertz of spectrum for unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs.

The move could have implications for the development of connected drones. Reliable wireless communication is important for UAV operations, particularly as drones become more sophisticated and are increasingly used for commercial, industrial, and other applications.

Access to cellular spectrum could provide another option for maintaining communications between drones and network infrastructure. It could also support applications that require connectivity over greater distances than conventional short-range wireless technologies can provide.

The proposal comes as the FCC has simultaneously increased scrutiny of drones that it considers potential security risks.

Drone Regulation Is Becoming More Complicated

Over the past year, the FCC has taken a stricter approach toward certain drones and drone-related technologies. The agency has raised concerns about devices containing foreign-made components and equipment featuring technologies such as LiDAR.

That creates an interesting regulatory balance. On one hand, the FCC is considering giving drones greater access to cellular spectrum. On the other, it has been imposing additional restrictions on certain UAV technologies because of national security concerns.

The two approaches are not necessarily contradictory. Expanding access to spectrum could encourage the development of connected drone systems, while restrictions could limit specific hardware or technologies considered security risks.

The result is a regulatory environment in which drone spectrum, wireless connectivity, and national security are increasingly interconnected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct-to-device connectivity?

Direct-to-device, or D2D, connectivity allows compatible devices to communicate through satellite networks or other systems without relying entirely on conventional terrestrial cellular infrastructure. The FCC is considering changes intended to make these arrangements more flexible.

What spectrum is the FCC proposing to auction?

The FCC is proposing to auction 25 megahertz of mid-band spectrum. The spectrum could be used for terrestrial networks, direct-to-device operations, or hybrid terrestrial and satellite systems.

How could the FCC spectrum proposal affect satellite companies?

Additional mid-band spectrum could give companies more opportunities to develop satellite and hybrid connectivity services. It could be particularly relevant to businesses competing in the growing satellite-to-cellular market.

What is SpaceX doing in the direct-to-device market?

SpaceX is developing D2D capabilities through its Starlink satellite network and holds spectrum licenses acquired from EchoStar. The company is also expanding its satellite constellation, with more than 11,000 Starlink satellites already in orbit according to the supplied material.

Why does the FCC want to allow drones to use 800MHz spectrum?

The proposal would allow drones to access part of the 800MHz cellular band, potentially providing additional connectivity options for unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposal could open approximately 50 megahertz for UAV use.

Are SpaceX’s D2D plans related to its orbital data center project?

They are separate initiatives. SpaceX’s D2D efforts are focused on satellite communications and connectivity, while the proposed orbital data centers are intended to provide computing resources for artificial intelligence applications.