The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is scheduled to vote on a proposal to auction 25 MHz of what officials describe as “prime spectrum,” a move that could open new bandwidth for satellite‑based broadband providers such as Amazon and SpaceX.
The spectrum in question is considered highly valuable for delivering high‑capacity, low‑latency signals directly to consumer devices, a capability both companies are seeking to expand through their respective satellite constellations.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper and SpaceX’s Starlink have each been building large fleets of low‑Earth‑orbit satellites to provide direct‑to‑device internet services, aiming to reach underserved and remote markets worldwide.
Industry observers note that an additional 25 MHz of prime spectrum would give these operators more flexibility to increase data throughput and improve service quality, potentially accelerating the rollout of broadband to areas lacking traditional fiber or cable infrastructure.
The FCC’s decision follows a broader regulatory trend of allocating more radio frequencies to commercial satellite networks, reflecting growing demand for high‑speed connectivity and the strategic importance of space‑based communications.
<small>Source: CNBC — read the original story there.</small>