SpaceX and EchoStar in Spectrum Standoff: A Battle for 5G Dominance

A new battle is brewing in the telecommunications arena as SpaceX reignites its pursuit of the 2GHz radio spectrum, a contested resource currently held by EchoStar, the parent company of Dish Network and Boost Mobile. This resurrected regulatory fight could have significant implications for the future of cellular Starlink and the broader 5G landscape.

SpaceX recently filed a fresh application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), seeking access to the 2GHz spectrum. This move comes a year after an initial request was denied. The shift in the FCC's stance, now under Chair Brendan Carr, who aims to unlock spectrum for commercial use, including satellite services, appears to have emboldened SpaceX.

Carr recently sent a letter questioning EchoStar's control over a "large number of FCC spectrum licenses," further fueling the debate. This scrutiny led the FCC to solicit public comments on EchoStar's efficient use of the 2GHz band, creating an opening for SpaceX to aggressively push for access to the resource for its cellular Starlink system.

SpaceX argues that access to the 2GHz spectrum is crucial for enhancing Starlink's connectivity, especially in areas with weak cellular coverage. "Granting this application will enable SpaceX to augment its MSS [mobile satellite service] capabilities and leverage its next generation satellite constellation to provide increased capacity, reduced latency, and broader service coverage for mobile users across the United States," the company stated in its application.

Furthermore, SpaceX has directly challenged EchoStar's utilization of the 2GHz spectrum, even conducting its own satellite-based measurements. These findings allegedly indicate low activity levels in the spectrum range, suggesting that EchoStar is not maximizing its potential. SpaceX CEO Hamid Akhavan's comment that "if I had a satellite today, I would not launch it today... what is the point?" was also cited as evidence that EchoStar has no intention of utilising the 2 GHz spectrum for a mobile satellite service.

"EchoStar’s inaction is not only a fundamental waste of valuable MSS spectrum, but also an opportunity for other more motivated and capable next-generation satellite system operators to more intensively use the spectrum to provide mobile services to Americans in underserved and unserved areas," SpaceX argues.

EchoStar, however, is not backing down and is defending its spectrum rights. The company asserts that it is actively developing a "direct-to-device" satellite system for phones and has invested in LEO satellites and new S-band services. EchoStar has also accused SpaceX of attempting to "pirate" access to the 2GHz band, calling the move "defamatory and anti-competitive."

The FCC is now at the center of this high-stakes battle, with the potential to reshape the future of 5G connectivity. According to a regulatory filing, EchoStar confirmed that the FCC sent a letter to the company. Chairman, Charles W. Ergen, provided a formal statement.

This spectrum face-off highlights the increasing competition for resources in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact SpaceX's ambitions for cellular Starlink and EchoStar's position in the 5G market.

Will the FCC side with SpaceX, potentially opening the door for a more widespread cellular Starlink service? Or will EchoStar successfully defend its spectrum holdings, paving the way for its own direct-to-device satellite system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

• 5G
• EchoStar
• SpaceX