FCC Denies Satellite Firms' Requests for Spectrum Access
The agency said it wanted to avoid uncertainty for current satellite occupants
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission denied Thursday multiple satellite operators’ requests to open up already occupied spectrum bands.
It was a rare denial for SpaceX at the agency, which had sought access to the bands at issue for its Starlink broadband satellites and for a massive direct-to-cell constellation it’s seeking approval for. Satellite companies Kepler, Sateliot, AST SpaceMobile, and Iridium also had requests rebuked.
“The FCC is laser-focused this year on making our rules as friendly as possible for investment and innovation in D2D services,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement. “We are taking important actions this week to give this exciting industry the clarity it needs to build satellite systems and invest in spectrum confidently. And we’re just getting started."
