FCC to Vote on Opening up 17 GHZ for Satellite Broadband

WASHINGTON, September 5, 2024 – The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on making more airwaves available for satellite communications. The agency’s top official said it’s an effort to spur satellite broadband.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wrote in a note that the agency will move to make 1,300 megahertz in the 17 GHz band useable for “high-throughput satellite communications” at its September 26 open meeting. The order would open up 500 MHz of new spectrum for the technology, according to a public draft of the item posted Thursday.

“These changes will facilitate the deployment of high-speed broadband and other advanced satellite services, especially in remote, unserved, and underserved areas,” Rosenworcel wrote.