FCC modernizes satellite spectrum-sharing rules

On April 30, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously adopted a Report and Order (R&O) replacing the existing equivalent power flux density (EPFD) limits governing spectrum sharing between non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) and geostationary orbit (GSO) satellite systems with a new performance-based coordination framework. 

Specifically, the R&O replaces the legacy EPFD limits with a performance-based framework for spectrum sharing in the 10.7–12.7 GHz, 17.3–18.6 GHz, and 19.7–20.2 GHz bands. The new framework measures whether NGSO operations degrade GSO service quality, rather than applying fixed power-density limits, and pairs this with mandatory good-faith coordination between NGSO and GSO operators.

The new framework applies only to the frequency bands listed above, leaves terrestrial fixed-service protections and cross-border International Telecommunication Union (ITU) EPFD obligations unchanged, and does not impose aggregate interference limits from multiple NGSO systems.

Where coordination between NGSO and GSO operators is incomplete, the rules establish the following backstop protections:

• Long-term criterion: No more than three percent time-weighted average throughput degradation for GSO links using adaptive coding and modulation (ACM).
  
  
• Short-term criterion: No more than 0.1 percent of absolute increase in link unavailability. 
  
  
• Non-ACM links: A supplemental -10.5 decibel interference-to-noise (I/N) limit, applicable 80 percent of the time, for GSO links not using ACM (e.g., video distribution links). 
  
  
• GSO-arc avoidance angle: NGSO systems must observe a minimum three-degree avoidance angle from the GSO arc. 

Consistent with existing rules, NGSO applicants must either have a coordination agreement with affected GSO operators or demonstrate compliance with the backstop criteria through a compatibility showing.

The new rules take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The FCC adopted an immediate transition with no grandfathering or phase-in, applying the new framework to current licensees, pending applicants, and future applicants. Current licensees and market-access recipients may submit a letter request to modify existing license conditions to align with the new rules.

To apply the backstop criteria, the FCC defined the GSO links entitled to protection. It adopted a baseline set of 328 GSO reference links representing operational GSO earth-station configurations drawn from ITU data and FCC databases. These reference links serve as the benchmark against which NGSO operators must demonstrate that their systems will not cause excessive interference. 

The FCC also directed its Space Bureau to initiate a focused proceeding on GSO reference links within 15 days of release of the R&O, with a decision due within 60 days after the close of the proceeding’s comment period. 

For questions regarding how these rule changes may affect operations or licensing, please contact the authors.