In 30 Seconds: Last week, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the FCC is poised to give satellite internet a power-up by voting on an order to modernize spectrum sharing for satellite broadband. The decision to modernize decades-old satellite spectrum rules, such as equivalent power flux density (EPFD) regulations, would bring regulatory frameworks in line with 21^st-century technology, allowing for higher power levels and more flexible operations to expand the capacity and efficiency of space-based broadband.

From Chairman Carr:

“[T]he Commission will vote on an order to modernize our satellite spectrum-sharing rules—a change that could unlock more than $2 billion in economic benefits for the American people and up to seven-fold capacity for satellite Internet services. By enabling faster speeds, lower costs, and greater reliability, the FCC will take another step to ensure that consumers everywhere benefit from competitive and affordable Internet options.”

As CEC Sees It:

• Removing Outdated Bottlenecks = Increasing Space-Based Satellite Capacity, Speeds and Efficiency
  The EPFD regulatory framework was developed in the late 1990s to ensure geostationary orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) systems did not interfere with one another. With the adoption of newer space-based technologies such as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, old regulations built around GSOs create bottlenecks. Reducing outdated power limits has the potential to increase data capacity sevenfold. By establishing inference limits based on actual harmful interference, the FCC can allow satellites to access higher power limits and serve more people with faster internet speeds across a wider range of geographic areas.

• Modernizing U.S. Spectrum Sharing = Driving Economic Strength and Competition
  Modernizing the sharing of space-based spectrum will drive significant economic progress. The FCC estimates that modernizing spectrum sharing for satellite broadband will result in $2 billion in economic benefits. Modernized spectrum sharing rules will also bring greater competition to the broadband marketplace as space-based connectivity continues to gain faster speeds and latency similar to other internet offerings.

State of Play: While the FCC is moving to adjust outdated EPFD limitations for spectrum sharing, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) continues to use EPFD to regulate space-based technologies. The United States’ adoption of modernized rules is expected to provide a template for further international changes to be discussed at the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27).

The FCC’s action is scheduled for a final vote on April 30, 2026. To comment on this FCC proceeding, submit a comment here.

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