FCC Opens Nearly 500 MHz for Direct-to-Device Services, but Carriers Want Two 5G Bands Stripped From the Proposal

The FCC voted this week to explore opening an additional 482 MHz of spectrum for direct-to-device (D2D) services, a move that would nearly double the capacity available for satellite-to-phone connectivity. The proposal would expand the number of bands authorised for supplemental coverage from space from five to 13. But AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have warned that operating D2D in the 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz bands would degrade their 5G network performance, and the carriers want those two bands stripped from the proposal.

The technical concern is about duplex mismatch. The carriers argue that incompatibilities between time-division duplex (TDD) technology used in 5G bands and paired frequency-division duplex (FDD) for D2D would cripple 5G network performance. T-Mobile specifically argues that D2D sharing in the 2.5 GHz band would lead to dropped calls and cripple its uplink coverage. The FCC is seeking comments on these warnings.

The FCC also voted to push ahead on a proposed future auction of 25 MHz of midband spectrum in the 1655-1695 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands for use by terrestrial 5G and D2D networks, or a hybrid. The vote starts the process for the auction, building on the FCC’s coming auction of upper C-band spectrum to be completed by July 2027. The auction links to a mandate to make up to 400 MHz of spectrum available for commercial use via auction by 2028.

SpaceX’s request to add the 902-928 MHz band to the D2D rules was rejected. SpaceX argued that access to those bands would feed ongoing initiatives to converge satellite and terrestrial network capabilities. The FCC’s rejection is viewed as a preemptive move to protect NextNav’s petition to reconfigure its holdings for a terrestrial backup to GPS.

The European context is different. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone signed a letter of intent to explore a joint bid for mobile satellite spectrum in Europe, aiming to build a homegrown alternative to Starlink. The four carriers intend to use the 2 GHz band spectrum, which becomes available after existing licences expire in May 2027, to provide wholesale D2D access to all mobile network operators. They expect to build ground network infrastructure but do not plan to invest in their own satellite constellation.

Satellite operators want access to terrestrial spectrum to close coverage gaps, while mobile carriers want to protect their network investments. The FCC’s proposal attempts to balance both interests by expanding D2D capacity while seeking comment on carrier concerns. The FCC has not indicated which bands will remain in the final proposal.

The FCC has not indicated when it will finalise the band list. Carrier comments are due within 30 days of publication in the Federal Register. The proposal covers 482 MHz across 13 bands, up from 5 bands currently authorised.

Supplier’s note: We hold microwave radio units and outdoor units from the 2025 production batch in Shenzhen stock, roughly 55 units across seven SKUs, with lead time of five to seven working days on fresh orders. Cross-reference stock includes compatible antennas, waveguides and mounting kits from third-party vendors that fit the same tower configuration. Customers typically order in lots of four to six units for link upgrades, and we see repeat orders from the same system integrators every five to seven weeks regularly. Pricing holds for 30 days from quotation. We also stock spare power supplies, fans and cable assemblies for the same chassis families, and can arrange on-site installation support through our partner network in North America and the Middle East region.