Washington – The FCC is scheduled to vote Thursday on an order to modernize its 1990s-era satellite spectrum-sharing rules. The new rules would replace the Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) framework with modern, performance-based geosynchronous satellite orbit (GSO) protection criteria that take into account the improved spectrum sharing possibilities that modern satellite technology has brought.
A recent analysis from the Computer & Communications Industry Association Research Center reinforces the urgency of this update. Its report finds that the International Telecommunication Union framework governing EPFD is now technologically obsolete. Both simulations and real-world measurements show that modern non-geosynchronous satellite orbit (NGSO) and GSO systems can safely coexist under more flexible limits, with minimal interference and no service disruptions, while unlocking significant untapped capacity.
The following quote may be attributed to CCIA’s Director of the Space & Spectrum Policy Center, Karina Perez:
“CCIA applauds the Commission’s work on updating the outdated EPFD limits. This Report and Order has the potential to unlock satellite broadband expansion, spark economic growth, and strengthen national resilience.”
