The FCC has proposed a set of rule changes around wireless connectivity, including auctioning 25 MHz of mid-band spectrum and allowing drones to operate in the 800 MHz cellular band. Both Engadget and CNBC report that the proposals will go to a vote later this month, and both describe the auction as potentially attractive to major satellite players.
The auction is designed to support flexible-use terrestrial networks, direct-to-device (D2D) operations, or a hybrid of both. Engadget notes the FCC also proposed overhauling its D2D rules to promote more flexible business arrangements, while CNBC calls the spectrum "prime" and says the move could benefit Amazon and SpaceX. The two outlets agree on the core proposals but differ in emphasis: Engadget highlights SpaceX's recent approval for 15,000 additional satellites and its existing EchoStar spectrum licenses, while CNBC focuses on Amazon's request to launch up to 5,105 satellites and its planned $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar.
The third proposal would eliminate what the FCC calls an "outdated restriction" preventing drone operations in the 800 MHz cellular band, opening roughly 50 MHz for UAVs. Neither source reports opposition to that change, though Engadget notes the FCC has recently tightened drone restrictions on security grounds. Together, the proposals signal a push to expand wireless access across both space and low-altitude operations.