The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is preparing to open 1,050 MHz of spectrum in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands to expanded satellite use, potentially adding capacity for broadband connections to homes, aircraft and ships as well as satellite ground networks.

The rules are scheduled for a September 30 vote. The FCC’s proposed Spectrum Abundance Report and Order would expand satellite access to the 12.7–13.25 GHz band, providing 550 MHz, and the 42.0–42.5 GHz band, providing another 500 MHz. The agency says the spectrum could support consumer broadband, earth stations in motion, inter-satellite links and traffic routing through fixed ground stations.

The action follows a rulemaking the FCC opened in May 2025, when it began reconsidering restrictions on satellite operations across several frequency ranges. The 12.7 GHz band sits adjacent to spectrum already heavily used by satellite systems in the Ku band, while the FCC described the 42 GHz allocation as 500 MHz of largely undeveloped spectrum in the V-band.

Sharing and interference protections have been central to the proceeding. The 12.7 GHz band already supports terrestrial fixed links and other incumbent services, while the FCC’s earlier rulemaking also sought safeguards for users in adjacent bands, including federal systems. The commission has previously considered both 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz for more intensive terrestrial wireless use, making the September decision part of a broader contest over how underused spectrum should be allocated between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

The additional spectrum would not be reserved for a particular satellite operator. That means the rules could provide capacity for competing satellite systems rather than simply expanding frequencies available to SpaceX’s Starlink. Whether that translates into greater competition will depend on operators obtaining authorizations and deploying networks capable of using the bands.

The FCC is considering considerably more satellite spectrum beyond these two bands. Alongside the final rules, the commission plans to consider further proposals covering another 1,450 MHz in the Ku- and Ka-bands and 138.25 GHz in the D-band for more intensive satellite communications.

The September vote continues a series of FCC moves to loosen constraints on non-geostationary satellite systems. In April, the commission revised power limits governing shared satellite spectrum, saying the changes could permit more intensive use while maintaining protections against harmful interference.

The proceedings reflect increasing pressure for spectrum as low-Earth-orbit constellations expand broadband capacity and satellite operators pursue connectivity for moving aircraft, ships and vehicles as well as fixed Internet access.