The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted its Supplemental Coverage From Space (SCS) framework.
The framework will enable partnerships between mobile network operators (MNOs) and satellite providers to provide non-terrestrial coverage in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage.
The SCS framework will create a footnote in the US frequency allocation table that allows some terrestrial spectrum bands to be re-used by satellite operators. The practice of re-using terrestrial mobile operator-owned spectrum is being adopted by companies like SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile.
FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated the rules are part of the FCC’s “single network future” vision.
“In this decision, we bring satellite and wireless communications together. We do this because their convergence can accomplish more than either network can do on its own,” says Rosenworcel.
