The U.S. Federal Communications Commission will vote on October 29 on whether to advance a new wireless-spectrum auction aimed at expanding direct-to-device satellite services.
The technology allows ordinary smartphones to connect directly to satellites, potentially reducing cellular dead zones in rural and remote areas.
SpaceX and Amazon are among the players
SpaceX and Amazon are developing satellite-to-phone services, while traditional carriers are also investing in hybrid terrestrial and satellite networks.
The FCC is considering auctioning 25 megahertz of spectrum and making hundreds of additional megahertz available for satellite coverage.
The regulator will also consider updated rules for direct-to-device services and drone operations in parts of the 800 MHz band.
Sources
- Federal Communications Commission, Oct. 7, 2026
- Reuters, Oct. 7, 2026
