SpaceX's SCS PFD Limit Fight Sees Opposition

SpaceX's proposed reconsideration of the aggregate out-of-band power flux density (PFD) limits that the FCC adopted in March's supplemental coverage from space (SCS) order (see 2405300044) is seeing some pushback from wireless carriers and EchoStar. SpaceX has pushed for band-specific out-of-band PFD limits, and replies to its petition were posted Monday in docket 23-65. EchoStar said the proceeding's record supports the FCC's aggregate out-of-band emissions limit protecting neighboring licensees. The aggregate interference limit is "reasonable and realistic" as a route to preventing harmful interference, it said. AT&T said the commission should stick with its "balanced, simple, and certain approach" to protecting terrestrial wireless services, "particularly given that SCS technology is still being developed and tested." It said if an SCS applicant can't comply with the PFD limits, it can seek a waiver of the rule and show its proposed deployment won't cause harmful interference. Keeping the uniform out-of-band PFD limit is important, given the nascent development of SCS services, Verizon said in its opposition. T-Mobile, partnering with SpaceX on SCS service, backed SpaceX's recon petition. It said the FCC didn't seek comment on the limit ultimately adopted, and that limit significantly constrains the ability of satellite operators to provide SCS in some frequency bands. "Basic engineering principles require band-specific out-of-band PFD levels," T-Mobile said.