Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioners have unanimously approved new regulations that will make it easier for commercial wireless operators to collaborate with satellite companies to offer Supplemental Coverage From Space (SCS) services. ), which could fill coverage gaps for consumers while they are outdoors. .
THE Federal Communications Commission unanimously approved the regulatory framework for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) on March 14.
Approved by U.S. regulators, SpaceX and other satellite operators will be able to maintain smartphone connectivity outside cell tower coverage by using radio waves from land mobile partners.
With conventional frequencies already licensed for use from space, SCS providers would operate as complementary services to companies offering mobile satellite services (MSS).
This implies that if an SCS operator interferes with a terrestrial telecommunications company with primary rights or an SMS provider, it must cease its activities immediately.
Although it is based on the draft released by the FCC last month, the final version of the framework has not yet been made public.
After publication in the Federal Register and legally mandated review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), it may take several weeks for the framework to become operational.
The FCC also adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address several other issues, such as protections for radio astronomy and the requirement that 911 calls and texts be forwarded to an emergency contact center or a public safety answering point using location-based routing.
This regulation would have a public comment period.
An FCC press release states that “the rules also establish, on an interim basis, a requirement that land-based providers route all SCS 911 calls to a public safety answering point using either location-based routing , or an emergency call center.”
He added: “The Commission also adopted a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to solicit further comments on this and other critical public safety issues to ensure that these services adequately meet the needs and expectations of consumers in terms of essential services. »
President of the FCC Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted the importance of SCS or direct satellite to phone technology. According to many industry experts, this technology allows users to maintain LTE or 5G communications when not connected to a carrier’s terrestrial network by accessing a satellite, which is equivalent to having a cell tower in space.
FCC Director Jessica Rosenworcel said, “We are the first country to adopt a framework combining satellite and wireless services through additional coverage from space. »
Rosenworcel added: “We are doing this because convergence can accomplish more than either network can do alone. Together they can put an end to dead zones. Together, this means that when a disaster strikes and destroys systems on the ground, we will have a backup in space.
She also mentioned that other countries are watching the United States closely to inform their own regulations allowing satellites to use the spectrum of terrestrial partners to fill connectivity gaps across the country.
Charles Miller, CEO of Lynk Global, said: “This is good news that highlights America’s continued role in developing and delivering technologies that make a difference in the lives of people around the world. worldwide. We believe sat2phone technology has the potential to help lift the next billion people out of poverty by expanding affordable access to mobile connectivity around the world.
SCS capability has become one of the most discussed topics in recent years.
Users and industry analysts have highlighted that SCS capability could significantly increase the reliability of LTE and 5G devices in mission- and business-critical scenarios.
They also highlighted the potential for expanded outdoor coverage and redundant satellite connectivity.
Additionally, many industry analysts believe LEO-based services could be more sustainably profitable than earlier satellite services due to the business models adopted by AST SpaceMobile, Lynk and SpaceX – partnering with operators rather than competing with them. them.
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