Aug 17, 2026 · 11 min · 10 segments
In this week’s episode of [The Broadband Exchange](https://www.telecompetitor.com/podcast/ "Telecompetitor, The Broadband Exchange"), we discuss several stories about spectrum from the FCC, AT&T…
Ian DescherHost
We'll begin with wireless, where the industry spent another week debating how far SpaceX could take Starlink Mobile.
Last week, we covered SpaceX's plan to combine a much larger direct-to-device satellite constellation with a terrestrial network and challenge the three largest US wireless carriers.
They argued that satellites alone cannot provide the capacity needed in dense markets, building a nationwide ground network will take years, and an MVNO agreement with one of the big three could be difficult to obtain.
Those obstacles are real, Joan wrote, but they don't necessarily settle the question.
SpaceX had already said it plans to use both satellite and terrestrial infrastructure.
A service that eliminates more dead zones and performs better during disasters could also be differentiated before it matched every feature or every tower of a national carrier.
The debate, in other words, isn't whether SpaceX could recreate today's wireless networks overnight.
The Commission launched a proceeding on whether Part 15 devices could communicate directly with satellites in three bands, 902 to 928 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.725 to 5.85 GHz.
The proposal could give satellite operators and device makers an alternative to securing exclusive license spectrum or partnering with a terrestrial carrier.
Unlicensed devices must avoid harmful interference and accept interference from other users, and a satellite beam can reach a very large area.
The proceeding seeks input on power limits, equipment authorization, and technical rules for sharing the bands.
We'll begin with wireless, where the industry spent another week debating how far SpaceX could take Starlink Mobile.
Last week, we covered SpaceX's plan to combine a much larger direct-to-device satellite constellation with a terrestrial network and challenge the three largest US wireless carriers.
They argued that satellites alone cannot provide the capacity needed in dense markets, building a nationwide ground network will take years, and an MVNO agreement with one of the big three could be difficult to obtain.
Those obstacles are real, Joan wrote, but they don't necessarily settle the question.
SpaceX had already said it plans to use both satellite and terrestrial infrastructure.
A service that eliminates more dead zones and performs better during disasters could also be differentiated before it matched every feature or every tower of a national carrier.
The debate, in other words, isn't whether SpaceX could recreate today's wireless networks overnight.
The Commission launched a proceeding on whether Part 15 devices could communicate directly with satellites in three bands, 902 to 928 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.725 to 5.85 GHz.
The proposal could give satellite operators and device makers an alternative to securing exclusive license spectrum or partnering with a terrestrial carrier.
Unlicensed devices must avoid harmful interference and accept interference from other users, and a satellite beam can reach a very large area.
The proceeding seeks input on power limits, equipment authorization, and technical rules for sharing the bands.
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