The FCC is scheduled to vote on October 29 on proposals to auction spectrum for 5G and direct-to-device satellite services, while also expanding leasing rules for supplemental coverage from space. The agency is also moving to restrict equipment certifications from labs in non-reciprocal countries by 2028.
Opening these bands provides the necessary bandwidth for hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks, which are critical for eliminating mobile dead zones. For the streaming ecosystem, this expansion supports high-bandwidth video delivery in underserved rural areas where traditional fiber or cellular infrastructure is absent. The move to restrict Chinese testing labs by 2028 signals a significant shift in the hardware supply chain, potentially increasing certification costs for device manufacturers. Watch for the NTIA report due in late 2026 regarding the remaining 15 megahertz of meteorological spectrum to see if the full 1675-1695 MHz band becomes available for commercial bidding.
The FCC has scheduled an October 29 vote to auction 25 megahertz of spectrum for 5G and satellite services. This initiative aims to eliminate mobile dead zones and improve high-bandwidth video delivery in rural areas. Additionally, the agency plans to restrict certain foreign equipment testing labs by 2028 to secure hardware supply chains.
The FCC has scheduled the spectrum auction vote for October 29.
The proposal includes auctioning 25 megahertz of spectrum within the 1675-1695 and 2020-2025 MHz bands.
The FCC plans to update these rules to make 482 megahertz eligible for carrier-to-satellite leasing, which helps improve rural connectivity.
The order will block equipment certification labs in non-reciprocal countries, primarily impacting China-based facilities, by 2028.
The FCC will open 50 megahertz in the 800 MHz band for drone operations, resolving previous regulatory restrictions.
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