Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
In summary
- AT&T and Verizon are asking the FCC to block SpaceX and T-Mobile's satellite-to-cell service over concerns about interference with existing cellular networks.
- Both companies say SpaceX's proposed increase in satellite emissions limits could significantly impact terrestrial mobile services.
- SpaceX and T-Mobile previously defended their plan by saying it would not cause any harm and accused competitors of trying to slow down their service.
Major telecom providers AT&T And Verizon are throwing their weight behind the scenes to voice their concerns about SpaceX's ambitious plan to provide mobile services with T-MobileThe companies argue that SpaceX's approach could degrade existing cellular networks on Earth and disrupt service for millions of Americans.
First reported by Ars TechniqueBoth AT&T and Verizon filed formal petitions with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), urging the agency to deny SpaceX's request for an exemption from specific emissions limits. Their filings mirror concerns already raised by satellite companies EchoStar and Omnispace.
Concerns about network outages
The partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX, announced in 2022, aims to eliminate mobile dead zones by allowing phones to connect directly to Starlink satellites. AT&T claims That from SpaceX proposal to significantly increase the allowable power levels for out-of-band emissions would result in “unacceptable harmful interference” to its existing networks. The company even provided a technical analysis suggesting an “18% decrease in network performance” in one of its key markets.
Verizon's opposition is based on similar grounds, stating that SpaceX's plan could cause harmful interference and adversely affect the performance of wireless phones. The company further claims that the proposed safety margins are inadequate and do not protect terrestrial devices from potential interference.
Interestingly, both Verizon and AT&T are working on their own satellite-to-phone services with AST SpaceMobile, though those aren’t scheduled to launch until 2025. T-Mobile and SpaceX’s service, on the other hand, are scheduled for a fall launch, pending any delays due to these complaints.
It's not as easy as it sounds
Intriguingly, SpaceX appears to have anticipated this backlash. In a recent meeting between SpaceX and T-Mobile representatives with FCC staff, SpaceX expressed confidence that its plan wouldn’t harm other wireless businesses and predicted that competitors would continue to make “misleading claims” and “draconian demands” to delay the project and protect their own interests.
T-Mobile also voiced its support for SpaceX’s plan during the meeting, stressing its commitment to ensuring that out-of-band emissions do not cause harmful interference. The company said it was confident that the proposed operations would not negatively impact adjacent terrestrial operations, including its own.
The FCC has set August 22 and August 29 as deadlines for comments and responses to comments in this matter.