FCC plans October 29 vote on spectrum proposals for direct-to-device satellite service

The Federal Communications Commission said on October 7 that it plans to vote on October 29 in the United States on whether to advance a new spectrum auction for direct-to-device satellite services, Reuters reported. The proposals could affect how phones connect when conventional mobile coverage is unavailable, but the planned vote does not itself award spectrum or establish that coverage will expand.

According to Reuters, the FCC is proposing to auction 25 megahertz of spectrum for direct-to-device operations and make another 482 megahertz available for supplemental coverage from space. The commission also plans an initial vote on updating its direct-to-device rules. Its agenda includes a separate vote on final rules for drone operations in the 800 MHz cellular band.

What the FCC proposes for satellite phone connections

Direct-to-device technology lets smartphones and other devices connect directly to satellites. Reuters identified SpaceX and Amazon Leo among the companies developing it. The FCC's proposals also consider changes that would allow more flexible arrangements involving ground networks, satellites or a combination of the two. Those arrangements, like the spectrum measures, remain proposals ahead of the vote.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the direct-to-device proposals aim to help end cell-phone dead zones and provide service from next-generation satellite constellations directly to smartphones. That describes the regulator's goal, rather than a measured effect of the proposed changes. Whether users gain service in particular places will depend on decisions and developments beyond this planned vote.

SpaceX and wireless carriers are already moving

The vote comes amid existing moves to build satellite-enabled mobile services. Reuters reported that SpaceX acquired 65 MHz of wireless spectrum from EchoStar for $19.6 billion through two deals announced in 2025. Those airwaves give Starlink spectrum to expand into mobile services. The FCC approved SpaceX's plan to use its newly acquired spectrum for its direct-to-device expansion on October 6, Reuters reported.

Traditional wireless operators are also pursuing satellite coverage. Reuters reported that AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon named industry veteran Paul Roth interim chief executive of their joint venture the previous week. The venture aims to expand satellite-enabled mobile coverage. The report does not establish how the FCC's October 29 proposals would affect any particular company's service or competitive position.

Carr said in September that a series of wireless spectrum auctions over the following couple of years could raise more than $100 billion, according to Reuters. That figure is his projection for a series of auctions, not proceeds from the proposed direct-to-device auction. The FCC has yet to decide whether to advance that auction, let alone conduct it.

An earlier FCC proposal shows the technical questions

The FCC has separately proposed changes for satellite links using certain unlicensed bands. In a proceeding adopted in August and summarized by the Federal Register in September, it proposed allowing some unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites on a non-interference basis. The agency sought comment on technical, licensing and policy questions. That earlier proceeding provides context for the regulatory work; it is separate from the October 29 spectrum measures described by Reuters.

The earlier FCC proposal examines satellite allocations in specific unlicensed bands and whether equipment may operate within spacecraft. It also addresses preserving existing authorized services while seeking expanded connectivity. The commission invited public input, including from small businesses, through its Electronic Comment Filing System. Those questions show why a proposal to permit more satellite connections cannot by itself demonstrate that devices will have reliable service.

On October 29, commissioners are due to decide whether to move forward with the new auction proposal and take an initial step on updated direct-to-device rules, Reuters reported. The vote on drone rules is a separate agenda item. The terms of any eventual auction, the fate of the proposed 482 MHz measure and the practical effect on consumers remain open.