The Federal Communications Commission advanced a spectrum auction proposal on October 29, 2026, covering 25 MHz in two frequency ranges: 1675–1695 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz. The proposal would establish arrangements for commercial terrestrial, direct-to-device satellite, or hybrid communications services.
The action starts a rulemaking on allocation, licensing, and operating conditions. It does not complete an auction or award spectrum to SpaceX. The FCC’s published meeting agenda identifies the proceedings as WT Docket No. 26-284, GN Docket No. 26-281, and WT Docket No. 19-116.
The 1675–1695 MHz range contains 20 MHz. According to the FCC announcement reproduced by Benton, the commission proposes new non-federal fixed and mobile allocations on a co-primary basis, excluding aeronautical mobile service. It also proposes a secondary mobile-satellite allocation for domestic Supplemental Coverage from Space. These changes are subject to the outcome of a National Telecommunications and Information Administration study of the band.
The 2020–2025 MHz range supplies the remaining 5 MHz. The FCC proposes adding a secondary mobile-satellite allocation for domestic Supplemental Coverage from Space in that band.
Allocation and licensing answer different questions. An allocation identifies the kinds of radio service permitted within a frequency range. A license specifies an operator’s authority to use spectrum under applicable conditions. Auction procedures determine how competing applicants can obtain the rights being offered.
Secondary status also matters. In the existing Supplemental Coverage from Space framework, satellite operations must protect authorized primary services from harmful interference and cannot claim equivalent interference protection. The proposed satellite allocations should not be read as unrestricted rights to displace terrestrial operations.
The auction item is separate from the commission’s concurrent proposal to expand spectrum eligibility and revise access arrangements under the Supplemental Coverage from Space framework. That companion proceeding concerns the rules for satellite use of terrestrial spectrum; the auction proceeding addresses the two specified frequency ranges and their licensing arrangements.
For SpaceX and competing providers, the proposal could create a route to acquiring additional spectrum rights for eligible services. The October 29 action identifies no winning bidder, purchase price, or SpaceX-specific authorization. The rulemaking will address service and technical rules and coordination requirements before any resulting licenses can define an operator’s permitted use.
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