Broadband Breakfast Club Exclusive Report
The Challenge of Spectrum Sharing – April 2024
Read all Exclusive ReportsIn an era where demand for wireless services continues to escalate, the management and sharing of the electromagnetic spectrum have emerged as a pivotal challenge.
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Carriers and Satellite Companies at Odds on Millimeter Wave Spectrum
Satellite operators want easier access, which mobile providers fear would upend licenses they purchased.
Tower Companies Continue Push for Conditions on EchoStar Spectrum Deals
Executives urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to ensure Dish’s obligations would be paid.
Array Says Whistleblowers Shouldn’t Be Able to Sue Under False Claims Act
Three Supreme Court justices have said there are 'substantial questions' on the issue.
Upper C-band Incumbent SES: Don’t Auction More Than 160 Megahertz
The Federal Communications Commission had proposed selling off as much as 180 megahertz in the band.
RFK Jr. ‘Very Concerned’ About Cellphone Radiation, Launches Safety Study
Analyst Blair Levin said the inquiry was unlikely to spur new wireless regulations.
Dean Bubley: Winning in 6G Will Not Require More Spectrum
The White House 6G memorandum wrongly focuses on spectrum allocation instead of AI efficiency and spectrum sharing.
Dean Bubley: CBRS Shared Spectrum Critical for U.S. Wireless Innovation
Federal spectrum auction mandates could threaten CBRS's GAA tier, which enables diverse users from rural ISPs to enterprises to deploy private wireless networks.
Federated Wireless Supporting Indoor Shared Spectrum Antenna Systems
Using the Citizens Broadband Radio Service band, the system is designed to connect large venues without taking up capacity on mobile carrier networks.
Dish Defaulted on $3.5 Billion, Crown Castle Says
Dish has argued it is exempt from contracts after its parent company EchoStar reached deals to sell much of its spectrum.
Charter Expands Broadband Access in Rural North Carolina
Spectrum services will be available to 20,110 rural homes and businesses in North Carolina.
Supreme Court Won’t Revive Fraud Suit Against Array
The whistleblowers still have a separate, similar suit ongoing against the UScellular successor.
Wi-Fi Proponents Like UK Proposal to Share Upper 6 GHz
The plan would allow more unlicensed use than Europe’s telecom regulator.
Dish to Colo. Judge: Don’t Uphold American Tower Contract
Two tower companies have sued to prevent Dish from exiting lease agreements after major spectrum sales by its parent company.
FCC to Consider New Higher-Power, Outdoor Devices at 6 GigaHertz
Wi-Fi supporters were pleased with the announcement.
Rural Carriers, Consumer Groups Want AT&T-Array Deal Reviewed
Groups argued cable wasn’t a meaningful competitive constraint in the wireless industry.
Where to Find 800 Megahertz of Spectrum For Auction?
Citizens Broadband Radio Service hasn’t got an explicit defense from the Trump administration, but the FCC hasn’t said it intends to alter it.
Globalstar Opposed to Other Satellite Operators in 1.6 GHz
Iridium petitioned the FCC for access last week, and SpaceX has sought to enter the band.
EchoStar, SpaceX to FCC: Don’t Weigh in on Vendor Contract Disputes
Infrastructure companies had asked the agency to require EchoStar to pay Dish’s bills.
White House Wants Portions of 7 GHz Band for Licensed Use
New Street’s Blair Levin said the memo suggested CBRS was less likely to be auctioned.
FCC Sets June 2026 Auction Date for AWS-3 Spectrum, Expands Robocall Rules
Carr said agency was not independent: 'Any FCC commissioner can be fired by the president for any reason, or no reason at all'
FCC Must Prioritize Public Interest in Future Spectrum Auctions, Senators Say
Sen. Schumer and colleagues push FCC to put consumer protections first in upcoming allocations
U.S. Spectrum Sharing Cast as Strategic Edge Against China
Bubley warned the United States must sell its spectrum-sharing philosophy abroad before the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference
FCC Told to Deny or Condition EchoStar Waivers Tied to SpaceX Spectrum Transfer
Petitioners warn waivers may undermine terrestrial buildout requirements and strand spectrum
Budget Law’s Spectrum Auction Mandate Raises Stakes for Wi-Fi, CBRS
The legislation would task the NTIA with finding about 500 megahertz and the FCC with finding another 300 megahertz for auction.
American Tower: Dish Not Forced to Sell Spectrum
The tower company is asking a judge to prevent Dish from exiting its lease after major spectrum sales.
Whistleblowers Want to Revive Fraud Suit Against UScellular Successor
A separate fraud case against the company, filed by the same telecom attorneys, was blessed by the D.C. Circuit in October.
NextNav to Test 5G GPS Backup in San Jose
The test is planned to run through Dec. 1, 2027.
WISPs Continue Push for FCC to Preserve CBRS
Dozens of wireless ISPs have written to the agency on the issue this month.
Bid Aims to Expand L-Band Into Direct-to-Device Connectivity
The plan repurposes more than 40 megahertz for low-Earth orbit broadband.
Lawmakers Unveil Defense Bill Without Spectrum Veto Language, AI Moratorium
President Donald Trump said he would sign an executive order on AI this week.
AT&T, EchoStar Fire Back at Spectrum Deal Opponents
EchoStar’s Charlie Ergen reiterated the company's ‘force majeure’ argument to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Wayne Brough: Don’t Let the NDAA Derail America’s Spectrum Pipeline and Tech Leadership
An NDAA provision granting Pentagon veto authority over spectrum reallocation could block commercial wireless expansion.
With Anti-DEI Commitments in Hand, FCC Approves AT&T-UScellular Spectrum Sale
AT&T bought 3.45 GHz and 700 MHz licenses for about $1 billion.
AT&T to DOJ: EchoStar Spectrum Deal Won’t Harm Competition
T-Mobile, rural carriers want conditions ensuring rural deployment.
Judges Press FCC, Challengers in FirstNet Spectrum Case
The agency is looking to make more spectrum available to AT&T-operated FirstNet.
FCC Takes Step Toward Upper C-band Auction
In a change from the draft, the approved text asks about a Tribal licensing window.
Dean Bubley: Key Lessons from Hong Kong’s 6 GHz Spectrum Auction
Hong Kong's weak auction results suggest regulators should favor unlicensed Wi-Fi over mobile licensing.
Private Network Users, WISPs Form New Pro-CBRS Group
The American-Made 5G Coalition urged Carr and Roth not to disrupt the band.
Dubai Hosts 2025 Wi-Fi World Congress on Global Spectrum Policy
The congress gathered global vendors and telecom regulators.
AT&T Touts EchoStar Spectrum Deployment
The carrier is leasing EchoStar's 3.45 GHz spectrum until it closes its acquisition of the licenses.
CTIA Wants Defense Bill Spectrum Language Cut
The group joins Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and the White House.
SpaceX Looking to Use AWS-3 for Direct-to-Cell
The company said it would seek a waiver to use the terrestrial spectrum for satellite service.
Satellite Experts Like FCC Proposals to Increase Spectrum Access
The agency is considering upping power limits and opening spectrum for low-earth orbit satellite use.
12 Days of Broadband Covered Spectrum, AI Infrastructure, BEAD and Affordability
Leaders from the Vernonburg Group, Ookla, NextNav and Broadband Breakfast discussed linkages between spectrum, AI, BEAD and affordability.
Broadcasters Say FCC’s Upper C-Band Proposal Clears Too Much
Wireless carriers, in contrast, push the FCC to ‘maximize’ the amount of midband spectrum cleared for auction.
Tribal Groups Urge FCC to Add Licensing Window in Upper C-Band Auction
Letter urges a special filing window to expand broadband on native lands.
NTIA, Industry Eyeing 4.4 GHz for Commercial Use
There are currently 15 federal agencies using the airwaves.
First Responders Back FirstNet Reauthorization as 2027 Sunset Nears
Survey finds 93% of first responders support extending the First Responder Network Authority.
FCC Chief of Staff: Network Protection Core to America's National Security
Agency leader outlined measured to protect U.S. networks and innovation from foreign interference.
EchoStar Selling More Spectrum to SpaceX
SpaceX is buying unpaired AWS-3 licenses for $2.6 billion in stock.
Bill Maguire: Faster Disaster Recovery Depends on Smart Communications Policy
Local governments must be empowered in communications infrastructure policy to ensure faster disaster recovery.
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.
Spectrum Bill Raises Questions on Equity, Wi-Fi, and Rural Reach
Anchor institution panelists warned of broadband setbacks.
FCC Plans November Vote on Upper C-band Proposal
The agency said it would seek comment on auctioning up to 180 megahertz.
FCC Plans to Overhaul Rules Governing Upper Microwave Spectrum
A diverse coalition called for a light licensing approach to open idle frequencies.
EchoStar, FCC in Talks to Resolve AWS-3 Auction Lawsuit
EchoStar fears it could be on the hook for shortfall payments if the re-auction doesn't fetch enough cash.
Carriers, Airlines Say 180 Megahertz of Upper C-band Could be Auctioned Safely
Satellite video distribution services would need to be compressed or relocated.
AT&T, EchoStar: Spectrum Sale Won’t Harm Competition
AT&T wants the extra airwaves to boost its fixed wireless service.
Spectrum Fight Flares in Defense Bill Negotiations
Opponents warn outcome could hinder U.S. spectrum auctions and innovation.
Hudson: FCC Should ‘Be Very Careful’ About Disrupting CBRS
Republican lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have called for protecting the band.
Senate Passes Defense Bill Without Changes to Spectrum Language
The head of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the White House oppose the provision.
Spectrum Licenses Create Property Rights: USTelecom
The group said the government should have to compensate license holders if it seizes their airwaves.
Verizon Teams With AST SpaceMobile on Space-Based Cellular Service
Verizon has signed a deal with AST SpaceMobile to provide cellular service from space beginning next year.
WISPA to FCC: Don’t Sell General Access CBRS Spectrum
The group noted most CBRS devices are associated with at least one general access license.
Levin: Chinese Investment in SpaceX Unlikely to Hold up Spectrum Deal
The FCC will have to clear the company's $17 billion spectrum purchase from EchoStar.
Spectrum, Broadcom Showcase Nearly 10 Gbps WiFi Breakthrough
The demo highlighted WiFi’s potential on higher frequencies
Security Risks and Spectrum Battles in Space Expected at World Radiocommunication Conference
ITU's choice to hold the conference in Shanghai has raised some fears about security.
EchoStar Secures Global Rights to 2 GHz Band
An executive from SpaceX, which is acquiring the rights, welcomed the news.
TechExpo25 Brought Together 1,500 Companies and 45 Members of Congress
The event highlighted innovation, infrastructure, and government collaboration
D.C. Circuit Says Whistleblower Suit Against UScellular Can Continue
The whistleblowers have asked the FCC to pause or reverse the company's spectrum sales over the issue.
Carriers Push FCC for Extra Upper C-Band Spectrum
CTIA wants 220 megahertz of Upper C-Band for 5G; Congress only guaranteed 100 megahertz.
White House Adviser Pledges to Protect Spectrum Critical for Wi-Fi
U.S. won’t 'go backwards' on Wi-Fi leadership, even after Congress dropped 6 GigaHertz (GHz) protections in reconciliation bill.
Sen. Warner Warns U.S. Must Reassert Leadership on Cybersecurity
Warner is concerned the 6 GHz band remains unprotected.
Levin: Despite DOJ Concerns, EchoStar Spectrum Deals Likely in the Clear
Verizon was reportedly in talks to buy the satellite company's AWS-3 licenses.
Trusty Touts Deregulation, Says Spectrum Auctions Will Drive Innovation
Auctions are important, but Trusty pointed to unlicensed spectrum as essential for Wi-Fi 7 and 'Internet of Things' applications.
SpaceX Plans New Constellation as Companies Pitch EchoStar Deal to FCC
The company said it could end up 'employing terrestrial base stations to enhance capacity where needed.'
NTIA Administrator Roth on Strategy for Federal Spectrum Reallocation
Arielle Roth outlines agency approach to identifying 500 megahertz of federal spectrum for commercial access.
NextNav, SIA Still at Odds on GPS Backup
Users of the 900 MHz band fear interference, which NextNav maintains it could avoid.
Opponents to D.C. Circuit: FCC Plan for More FirstNet Spectrum Unlawful
Oral arguments in the case haven't been scheduled.
FCC’s Carr Stresses Competition, Spectrum, SpaceX in Aerospace Summit Remarks
Carr highlighted U.S. progress in satellite technology and efforts to expand the space economy.
Senate Republicans to FCC: Protect 6 GHz, CBRS
The NTIA head also urged preserving the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi on Wednesday.
NTIA Identifies 5 Megahertz of NOAA Spectrum for Auction
The NTIA head also urged the FCC to protect Wi-Fi.
Carr Ends EchoStar Probes
The moves comes after the company inked two major deals to sell much of its spectrum.
SpaceX Buying EchoStar Satellite Spectrum for $17 Billion
EchoStar said the deal should end FCC inquiries into the company's spectrum licenses.
Joel Thayer: Why the Pentagon Wants Ligado’s Scalp
The dispute over Ligado highlights a clash between the FCC’s spectrum policy decisions and Defense Department’s efforts to block them.
AT&T CFO: EchoStar Spectrum a Boon to Fixed Wireless
Analysts estimated the extra airwaves could support an additional 900,000 fixed wireless subscribers.
EchoStar Sues to Block AWS-3 Auction Rules, Fears Shortfall Payment
If the re-auction brings in less than about $3.3 billion, EchoStar is on the hook for the difference.
SpaceX, CTIA at Odds on Millimeter Wave Spectrum
The satellite operator said it wanted easier access to airwaves above 24 GHz.
Jostling in the Airwaves Resumes After Passage of Trump’s Budget Bill
Trump’s budget law mandated a ‘spectrum pipeline’ to sell off 800 megahertz of spectrum. Coupled with FCC pressure, the law is quickly re-arranging the commercial airwaves
AT&T Paying $23 Billion for EchoStar Wireless Licenses
The move brings EchoStar closer to resolving ongoing pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, which threatened its business.
Ericsson CEO Calls for Increased U.S.–EU Relations to Counter China
If Ericsson falls behind China, ‘our reason to exist is very limited’
FCC, DOJ in Court Defending Plan to Open More Public Safety Spectrum to FirstNet
Supporters and opponents of the idea have sued the FCC over the plan.
David Zumwalt: Rural America’s Wireless Revolution
In rural America, fixed wireless access powered by CBRS is delivering fiber-like speeds at a fraction of the cost—and connecting millions who would otherwise be left behind.
Broadband Breakfast on October 1, 2025 - Looking Toward World Radio Congress 2027
How with the telecom and space race between the U.S. and China play out at the World Radio Congress 2027?
NTIA Optimistic About Upper C-band Auction
The agency said 150 megahertz could be sold off if new aircraft altimeters were widely installed.
NextNav Pushes Back Against Tolling Groups
Dispute at FCC over spectrum interference continues.
EchoStar Makes Interest Payments, Avoiding Default
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr thinks the company's spectrum is underused.
Dean Bubley: After Budget Bill, Do No Harm to CBRS and 6 GHz
The budget law leaves CBRS and 6 GHz unprotected — raising concerns about disruption to Wi-Fi, enterprise and rural broadband services.
FCC Declines Tribal Window for AWS-3 Auction, but Keeps Door Open for the Future
The agency will take comment on allowing tribes to apply for free spectrum licenses in future auctions.
Proponents Still Pushing for Tribal Licensing Window in Upcoming Auction
A draft version of the FCC's rules for the AWS-3 auction would not include one.
