Spectrum

Frequency Forward Wants FCC Hearing on Musk's China Ties

The group said the agency shouldn't approve SpaceX's latest spectrum deal without such a hearing.

Jake Neenan

Jake Neenan

— 2 min read
Frequency Forward Wants FCC Hearing on Musk's China Ties
Photo of Elon Musk in the Oval Office in May 2025 from Evan Vucci/AP

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2025 – Watchdog group Frequency Forward is asking federal regulators to block SpaceX’s $17 billion purchase of spectrum from EchoStar, citing concerns that Elon Musk could be subject to influence by the Chinese government.

The group said in a Thursday filing with the Federal Communications Commission that the agency shouldn’t approve the SpaceX application without holding a hearing on the issue. 

The nonprofit’s petition cited Musk’s business activities in China, including a major Tesla factory, and recent ProPublica reporting that revealed some level of direct investment from Chinese entities in SpaceX.

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Spectrum SpaceX Elon Musk frequency forward China Arthur Belendiuk Brendan Carr Blair Levin

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