What’s Happening

In conjunction with its licensing modernization initiative, the FCC in late 2025 and into 2026 is advancing doctrine to expand available spectrum for satellite services and facilitate spectrum sharing between terrestrial services and space operations. As part of this agenda, the Commission has proposed more intensive use of upper microwave bands (e.g., 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 37–40 GHz, 47 GHz and even 50 GHz ranges) that historically have been reserved for mobile, fixed, and terrestrial flexible use. The proposals also seek to refine siting rules for earth stations in these bands and reduce barriers to bidirectional use. Holland & Knight

The FCC’s moves are informed by broader policy goals to maximize spectral utility and give satellite systems more access to high-capacity bandwidth, supporting next-generation broadband and data links from space. It’s part of the agency’s strategic positioning to make the U.S. regulatory environment both attractive and competitive in the global space economy. Space Foundation

Why It Matters

Spectrum is the lifeblood of satellite systems. For CubeSat and SmallSat companies operating communications payloads, sensor links, or positioning beacons, access to suitable spectrum bands with reliable propagation characteristics is critical. The expansion and sharing proposals open new horizons—but they also come with higher expectations for interference management, coexistence analysis, and coordination frameworks.

In particular, proposed reforms aim to allow satellite systems to share spectrum with terrestrial mobile operators under well-defined conditions, a departure from the historically siloed allocation model in which space services and terrestrial services operated in largely separate bands with strict protections. If adopted, these reforms could create new opportunities for hybrid services (e.g., satellite-assisted 5G/6G backhaul, IoT over shared spectrum, or terrestrial fallback connectivity), but will also require satellite operators to be more adept at interference modeling and dynamic spectrum coordination. Space Foundation

Detailed Regulatory Implications

One of the central concepts behind the FCC’s spectrum reform push is to integrate satellite operations into broader flexible use bands previously dominated by terrestrial services. This means revisiting interference contours, power flux density thresholds, and co-primary sharing conditions. It also means that SmallSat operators may be expected to demonstrate compatibility strategies that allow their downlinks and uplinks to coexist with terrestrial base stations and other high-density users.

The FCC is also examining siting rules for earth stations in these shared bands, potentially enabling more networked ground segments that can operate globally under a harmonized regime. This could benefit GSaaS providers and operators with distributed ground infrastructure, but compliance will demand careful coordination with national administrations and a strong technical basis for interference mitigation. Holland & Knight

How This Affects CubeSat and SmallSat Companies

For operators of CubeSat constellations with high-throughput data payloads, the opening of new spectrum bands presents a chance to enhance capacity and quality of service. Space broadband providers can explore link budgets that incorporate higher frequency bands for data downlinks or inter-satellite links, potentially unlocking faster speeds and more robust connectivity. However, integrating these bands means deeper technical work to ensure that sharing limitations (e.g., spectral masks and coexistence rules) are satisfied.

Regulatory teams must also prepare for more complex filings that include not only frequency requests but robust coexistence plans and interference analyses. Where shared spectrum is involved, satellite operators may need to demonstrate real-world mitigation mechanisms rather than rely on legacy power limits alone.

Finally, satellite companies will need to harmonize their domestic FCC filings with international spectrum coordination processes (e.g., ITU Radio Regulations updates), as expanded spectrum access will be most valuable if recognized in global allocations. Space Foundation

Key Takeaways

• The FCC is proposing reforms to spectrum policy to allow more intensive satellite use of upper microwave bands.
• Spectrum sharing frameworks may enable new hybrid services but require advanced interference planning.
• CubeSat and SmallSat companies need to enhance technical analyses in their filings to meet coexistence expectations.
• Alignment with international coordination processes will maximize operational flexibility and spectrum utility.

In a regulatory environment where spectrum is becoming both more valuable and more contested, having automated spectrum planning and compliance validation tools can be a significant advantage. To stay ahead of FCC spectrum reforms and prepare filings that address both licensing and coexistence requirements, learn how astrolytics can support your mission compliance workflows.