AT&T and Verizon Request FCC to Halt Starlink’s Mobile Expansion

AT&T and Verizon are urging U.S. telecom regulators to reject a key part of SpaceX's ambitious plan to offer cellular service through its Starlink satellites in collaboration with T-Mobile. The proposal, which involves providing Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS), seeks to enhance T-Mobile's existing cellular network by leveraging SpaceX's extensive satellite infrastructure. However, AT&T and Verizon argue that this satellite-based system could interfere with and significantly degrade the quality of service provided by existing terrestrial mobile broadband networks.

At the heart of this dispute is SpaceX's request for a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules concerning out-of-band emission limits. These limits are crucial for preventing one service from spilling over into adjacent frequency bands and disrupting other services. SpaceX has asked for a ninefold increase in the allowable power flux-density limits, which AT&T and Verizon claim would cause unacceptable levels of interference with their networks.

AT&T's technical analysis suggests that the proposed changes could lead to an 18% reduction in network downlink throughput in a typical AT&T market deployment. This reduction, according to AT&T, would directly affect the quality and reliability of service that millions of Americans currently rely on. Verizon echoed these concerns, predicting that the increased emissions would result in harmful interference, particularly for devices that may not meet the flagship performance parameters expected by SpaceX.

The opposition to SpaceX's plan extends beyond AT&T and Verizon. Other satellite companies, including EchoStar, which owns Dish and Hughes, as well as Omnispace, have also voiced their concerns. They fear that SpaceX's proposal could disrupt their operations and lead to broader issues within the satellite communications industry.

In response to these objections, SpaceX and T-Mobile have engaged with FCC officials, arguing that their plan is designed to avoid any harmful interference with other wireless operations. They claim that the concerns raised by their competitors are unfounded and are merely attempts to delay the approval process and hinder their innovative partnership. SpaceX has also challenged the FCC's current emission limits, arguing that they are excessively restrictive and should be revised to reflect the technological advancements and specific requirements of satellite-based communication systems.

Despite the growing opposition, SpaceX and T-Mobile remain committed to moving forward with their commercial launch. SpaceX has already deployed over 100 satellites equipped with direct-to-cellular capabilities, and the two companies have made significant progress in testing the early network. They argue that their system is robust and will provide vital supplemental coverage to T-Mobile's network, particularly in areas where traditional terrestrial networks are less effective.

The debate is not just about technical specifications but also about the future of telecommunications and the competitive dynamics within the industry. AT&T and Verizon are also pursuing their own satellite-based coverage plans through partnerships with AST SpaceMobile, indicating that the race to integrate satellite and terrestrial networks is heating up.

The outcome of this regulatory battle will have significant implications for the telecom industry. SpaceX and other interested parties have until August 22 to submit responses to the FCC, with a reply deadline set for August 29. As these dates approach, the arguments on both sides are expected to intensify, with each side presenting its case to protect its interests and shape the future of mobile communication in the U.S.

This situation also reflects broader trends in the telecommunications industry, where companies are increasingly looking to the skies to expand coverage and improve service in hard-to-reach areas. The decisions made by the FCC in this case could set important precedents for how satellite and terrestrial networks coexist and compete in the future, making this a closely watched issue by industry stakeholders, regulators, and consumers alike.