FCC 于 9 月 9 日公开《卫星频谱充裕》草案全文（拟在 12.7-13.25GHz 与 42-42.5GHz 释放逾 1,000MHz 给卫星业务），但仍是为 9 月 30 日公开会议「拟议审议」而流转的草稿、明确不构成任何官方行动

September 9, 2026 FCC FACT SHEET* Satellite Spectrum Abundance; Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff; Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for Mobile Broadband or Other Expanded Use; Shared Use of the 42-42.5 GHz Band; Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz For Mobile Radio Services Report and Order and Order of Proposed Modification and Further Notices of Proposed Rulemaking – SB Docket Nos. 25-180 and 26-54, GN Docket Nos. 14-77 and 22-352, WT Docket No. 23-158 Background: Spectrum abundance fuels innovation and investment in the American space economy. It creates additional capacity for in-home satellite broadband for video, gaming, and AI, improves how traffic is routed on the ground, provides better connectivity to ships and planes, and opens the door to a wide range of industrial and commercial innovations in space. Accordingly, in this Report and Order and Order of Proposed Modification (Order) and Further Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRMs), the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) would take a series of actions that, together, could bring many thousands of megahertz of spectrum into the marketplace for new and growing uses of space-based communications. In particular, the Order would unlock more than 1,000 megahertz of spectrum in the 12.7-13.25 GHz (12.7 GHz) and 42-42.5 (42 GHz) bands for space services. What the Order Would Do: • In the 12.7 GHz band: o Permit fixed-satellite service (FSS) operations in both uplink and downlink o Allow FSS uplinks from individually licensed gateway and feeder link earth stations to space stations in geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) o Allow uplinks from earth stations in motion (ESIMs) aboard aircraft and maritime vessels to GSO space stations and downlink transmissions from NGSO space stations to blanket licensed user terminals, including ESIMs • In the 42 GHz band: o Permit FSS downlink to individually licensed satellite gateway and feeder link earth stations o Maintain the existing primary allocation for terrestrial fixed service stations and change the allocation for terrestrial mobile service stations to secondary What the FNPRMs Would Seek Comment On: • Adding new allocations for satellite communications, including for the inter-satellite service, controlling spacecraft, and providing data communications in support of emergent space activities * This document is being released as part of a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding. Any presentations or views on the subject expressed to the Commission or its staff, including by email, must be filed in SB Docket Nos. 25-180 and 26-54, GN Docket Nos. 14-77 and 22-352, and WT Docket No. 23-158, which may be accessed via the Electronic Comment Filing System (https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/). Before filing, participants should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules, including the general prohibition on presentations (written and oral) on matters listed on the Sunshine Agenda, which is typically released a week prior to the Commission’s meeting. See 47 CFR § 1.200 et seq. Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Satellite Spectrum Abundance ) SB Docket No. 25-180 ) Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff ) SB Docket No. 26-54 ) Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for ) GN Docket No. 22-352 (Terminated) Mobile Broadband or Other Expanded Use ) ) Shared Use of the 42-42.5 GHz Band ) WT Docket No. 23-158 (Terminated) ) Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for ) GN Docket No. 14-177 Mobile Radio Services ) REPORT AND ORDER AND ORDER OF PROPOSED MODIFICATION AND FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING AND FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING* Adopted: [] Released: [] Comment Date: (30 days after date of publication in the Federal Register) Reply Comment Date: (60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register) By the Commission: TABLE OF CONTENTS Heading Paragraph # I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1 II. REPORT AND ORDER (SPECTRUM ABUNDANCE R&O) ............................................................ 8 A. Background ...................................................................................................................................... 8 B. Discussion ...................................................................................................................................... 13 1. 12.7 GHz Band ........................................................................................................................ 15 2. 42 GHz Band ........................................................................................................................... 33 C. Costs and Benefits ......................................................................................................................... 41 III. FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING (SPECTRUM ABUNDANCE * This document has been circulated for tentative consideration by the Commission at its September 30, 2026 open meeting. The issues referenced in this document and the Commission’s ultimate resolution of those issues remain under consideration and subject to change. This document does not constitute any official action by the Commission. However, the Chairman has determined that, in the interest of promoting the public’s ability to understand the nature and scope of issues under consideration, the public interest would be served by making this document publicly available. The FCC’s ex parte rules apply and presentations are subject to “permit-but-disclose” ex parte rules. See, e.g., 47 CFR §§ 1.1206, 1.1200(a). Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules, including the general prohibition on presentations (written and oral) on matters listed on the Sunshine Agenda, which is typically released a week prior to the Commission’s meeting. See 47 CFR §§ 1.1200(a), 1.1203. Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 FNPRM) ............................................................................................................................................... 42 A. Ku-Band ......................................................................................................................................... 44 1. 13.75-14.0 GHz ....................................................................................................................... 45 2. 14.5-15.35 GHz ....................................................................................................................... 50 3. 15.43-15.63 GHz ..................................................................................................................... 56 B. Ka-Band ......................................................................................................................................... 60 1. 18.6-18.8 GHz ......................................................................................................................... 61 2. 19.4-19.6 GHz ......................................................................................................................... 65 3. 29.1-29.25 GHz ....................................................................................................................... 68 C. D-Band ........................................................................................................................................... 71 D. Inter-satellite Links ........................................................................................................................ 82 IV. FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING (WSS FNPRM) ............................................ 86 A. 2360-2395 MHz ............................................................................................................................. 89 B. 13.25-13.4 GHz ............................................................................................................................ 100 C. 100 GHz and above ...................................................................................................................... 104 D. Inter-satellite Links ...................................................................................................................... 108 V. PROCEDURAL MATTERS .............................................................................................................. 111 VI. ORDERING CLAUSES ..................................................................................................................... 125 Appendix A – List of Commenters Appendix B – Final Rule Changes Appendix C – Proposed Rule Changes Appendix D – Final Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis Appendix E – Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis Appendix F – Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis Appendix G – Regulatory Impact Analysis I. INTRODUCTION 1. Spectrum abundance fuels innovation and investment in the American space economy. Bountiful downlink spectrum for consumer terminals makes in-home satellite broadband a more compelling and competitive option for video, gaming, and AI. More spectrum for fixed earth stations improves how traffic is routed on the ground and helps satellite networks operate more seamlessly. Additional capacity for inter-satellite links strengthens the backbone in orbit and makes it more resilient. Bolstering spectrum access for earth stations in motion (ESIMs) brings better connectivity to ships and planes. And new spectrum for telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) opens the door to a wide range of industrial and commercial innovations in space that we are only beginning to imagine. In today’s omnibus decision, we take a series of actions that, together, could bring many thousands of megahertz of spectrum into the marketplace for new and untapped uses. 2. First, in today’s Spectrum Abundance R&O, we unlock more than 1,000 megahertz of spectrum in the 12.7-13.25 GHz (12.7 GHz) and 42-42.5 GHz (42 GHz) bands. Our decision will bring more capacity for satellite broadband to the home, for in-flight and on-ship connectivity, and for core traffic-routing functions in satellite ground networks.1 1 This Spectrum Abundance R&O results from the rulemaking proceedings that were launched in May 2025 to examine ways to use four frequency ranges more intensively by satellite communications: the 12.7 GHz band; the 42 GHz band; the 51.4-52.4 GHz band; and the “W-band” frequencies at 92.0-94.0 GHz, 94.1-100 GHz, 102.0- 109.5 GHz, and 111.8-114.25 GHz. Satellite Spectrum Abundance, Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for Mobile Broadband or Other Expanded Use, Shared Use of the 42-42.5 GHz Band, Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Radio Services, SB Docket No. 25-180, GN Docket No, 22-352, WT Docket No. 23-158, GN Docket No. 14-177, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 40 FCC Rcd 3794 (2025) (Spectrum Abundance NPRM); see also Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band; Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for Mobile Broadband or Other Expanded Use, WT Docket No. 20-443, GN Docket (continued….) 2 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 3. In the 12.7 GHz band, we adopt an aggressive, bi-directional frequency-use plan. We permit fixed-satellite service (FSS) operations in both uplink and downlink, depending on their most efficient and valuable use. We allow FSS uplinks from individually licensed gateway and feeder link earth stations to space stations in geostationary satellite orbit (GSO)2 and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO), as well as uplinks from ESIMs aboard aircraft and maritime vessels to GSO space stations.3 In the downlink, we allow transmissions from NGSO space stations to blanket licensed user terminals, including ESIMs.4 We amend, or eliminate altogether, footnotes to the U.S. Table of Allocations (U.S. Table) that currently limit the use of the 12.7 GHz band by satellite communications, while also maintaining, protecting, and sunsetting incumbent terrestrial operations in the band for ten years. 4. In the 42 GHz band, we add a primary allocation to the U.S. Table for FSS downlinks to individually licensed satellite gateway and feeder link earth stations, while maintaining the existing primary allocation for terrestrial fixed service (FS) stations and changing the allocation for terrestrial mobile service (MS) stations from primary to secondary status for non-Federal operations. We find that a “light licensing” approach5 is appropriate to allow intensive use of the 42 GHz band by satellite communications, but we defer consideration of the specific implementation of such licensing to other Commission proceedings addressing light-licensing of satellite communications. 5. But we do not stop there. In the accompanying Spectrum Abundance FNPRM, we explore freeing up 1,450 megahertz of spectrum in the Ku- and Ka- bands, along with 138.25 gigahertz in the D-band, for more intensive satellite communications. We seek comment on adding new allocations for satellite communications to the U.S. Table, along with eliminating barriers that prevent even greater use of spectrum resources in the United States. We also seek comment on adopting new allocations and technical rules for the inter-satellite service across several bands. 6. We do not stop there either. In the WSS FNPRM, the final part of today’s omnibus, we add to the list of spectrum bands under consideration for “weird space stuff.” Just a few months ago, the Commission opened a first-of-its-kind proceeding to bring spectrum abundance for missions like in-orbit servicing, refueling, manufacturing, or operations on or around the Moon—that is, next-generation space (Continued from previous page) No. 22-352, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order, 38 FCC Rcd 5283 (2023) (12.7 GHz Band NPRM); Shared Use of the 42-42.5 GHz Band; Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Radio Services, WT Docket No. 23-158, GN Docket No. 14-177, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 38 FCC Rcd 6362 (2023) (42 GHz Band NPRM). This Spectrum Abundance R&O takes action only on the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands. The proposals for the 51.4-52.4 GHz band and W-band are not addressed at this time. 2 See 47 CFR § 25.103. 3 We implement these changes through amendments to the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations (U.S. Table) and our satellite licensing rules. The Commission recently adopted a new part 100 to replace the part 25 rules that were in place when the Spectrum Abundance NPRM was adopted. Space Modernization for the 21st Century, SB Docket No. 25-306, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 26-47 (rel. Jul. 23, 2026) (Space Modernization Report and Order and FNPRM). Although those rules changes are not yet effective, we adopt changes to our rules governing space communications by amending part 100 rule sections, rather than amending part 25 rules that will be removed once part 100 is effective. 4 ESIMs are earth stations operating in motion aboard aircraft, vessels, or vehicles. 47 CFR § 25.103. 5 “Light licensing” refers to the framework adopted for the fixed service in the 70/80/90 GHz band, in which a licensee receives a non-exclusive nationwide license and then registers site deployments through a database managed by a third-party, which includes coordination with Federal operations using a “green light/yellow light” system. See Spectrum Abundance NPRM, 40 FCC Rcd at 3818, para. 63, citing Modernizing and Expanding Access to the 70/80/90 GHz Bands, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 39 FCC Rcd 886 (2024). 3 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 missions that do not provide connectivity to the public.6 Now, in the WSS FNPRM, we seek comment on three new bands spanning thousands of megahertz that might be able to be used to control spacecraft or to provide data communications in support of such emergent space operations. 7. The actions we take today are part of the Commission’s leadership in efficient spectrum management to provide the spectrum resources that American free enterprise can use to build a vibrant commercial space economy. We look forward to seeing how spectrum abundance will expand high-speed connectivity to underserved areas and unlocking the next generation of space-based communications. II. REPORT AND ORDER (SPECTRUM ABUNDANCE R&O) A. Background 8. The Commission has explored various ways to promote more efficient use of the 12.7 GHz7 and 42 GHz8 bands in recent years, through separate rulemakings in 2023 as well as in the 2025 Spectrum Abundance NRPM. The 12.7 GHz Band NPRM proposed to repurpose some or all of the 12.7 GHz band for mobile terrestrial broadband or other expanded use but also sought comment on alternatives to promote shared use of the band.9 The 42 GHz NPRM similarly examined use of the 42 GHz band for expanded terrestrial services through FS and MS flexible use but further invited comment on alternative approaches.10 9. In May 2025, the Commission released the Spectrum Abundance NRPM to seek comment on increasing the use of the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands by satellite communications, either as an alternative or complement to terrestrial wireless communications.11 The Commission asked whether increasing access by satellite systems might better encourage a more efficient and intensive use of the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands on a more expedited basis than proposals to increase access to these bands by terrestrial wireless services.12 10. The Commission sought comment on a range of ways that the 12.7 GHz band could be used more intensively for satellite communications. First, it sought comment on eliminating existing 6 Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff, SB Docket No. 26-54, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 26-13 (Mar. 27, 2026) (WSS NPRM). 7 The 12.7 GHz band is allocated to the FSS (Earth-to-space), fixed service (FS), and mobile service (MS) on a primary basis for non-Federal use. The full in-band and adjacent-band allocations and footnotes are summarized in the Spectrum Abundance NRPM and discussed as relevant below. See Spectrum Abundance NRPM, 40 FCC Rcd at 3796-98, paras. 5-9. 8 The 42 GHz band is allocated on a primary basis to non-Federal FS and MS. See Spectrum Abundance NRPM, 40 FCC Rcd at 3799-3800, paras. 14-15. 9 12.7 GHz Band NPRM, 38 FCC Rcd at 5285, para. 3. Prior to this NPRM, the Commission had issued a Notice of Inquiry on uses of the 12.7 GHz band. Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for Mobile Broadband or Other Expanded Use, GN Docket No. 22-352, Notice of Inquiry and Order, 37 FCC Rcd 13427 (2022) (12.7 GHz NOI). The NOI was accompanied by a temporary freeze on terrestrial and space and earth station applications in the 12.7 GHz band. Id., citing 180-Day Freeze on Applications for New or Modified Authorizations for the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band, Public Notice, DA 22-974 (IB, PSHSB, MB, and WTB Sept. 19, 2022) (Freeze Public Notice). 10 Shared Use of the 42-42.5 GHz Band; Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Radio Services, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 38 FCC Rcd 6362 (2023) (42 GHz Band NPRM). 55 pleadings were filed in response to the 12.7 GHz Band NPRM, and 21 pleadings were filed in response to the 42 GHz Band NPRM. A list of pleadings for both proceedings is provided in Appendix A. The notices were published in the Federal Register. 88 Fed. Reg. 49423 (July 31, 2023) (42 GHz Band NPRM); 88 Fed. Reg. 43938 (July 10, 2023) (12.7 GHz Band NPRM). 11 Spectrum Abundance NPRM, 40 FCC Rcd at 3800, para. 17. 12 Id. at 3795, 3800, paras. 2, 17. 4 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 regulatory restrictions on the use of the band by satellite systems.13 Second, it sought comment on whether to expand the use of the band to ESIMs.14 Third, it queried whether the 12.7 GHz band could be used for FSS downlinks in addition to, or as an alternative to, the existing allocation for FSS uplinks.15 Fourth, it sought comment on whether to lift the temporary freeze on space and earth station applications in the 12.7 GHz band.16 11. The Commission also sought comment on whether granting access to the 42 GHz band by satellite systems might better ensure that the spectrum is used more efficiently and intensively.17 It sought comment on adding an allocation to the FSS (space-to-Earth) in the 42 GHz band on either a primary or secondary basis,18 and asked whether to limit any earth station deployments to individually licensed gateway stations.19 12. For both the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands, the Commission sought comment on whether expanded use of the bands by satellite services would necessitate any changes to the spectrum sharing obligations between satellite and terrestrial operations.20 In particular, the Commission asked whether to maintain the existing primary allocations for FS and MS in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands or whether these allocations should be changed to secondary allocations.21 In the 12.7 GHz band, the Commission sought comment on whether increasing use of the band by satellite communications would require a sunsetting of non-Federal terrestrial operations.22 Furthermore, the Commission requested comment on whether any changes to our satellite licensing rules would be needed to accommodate increased use of the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands by satellite services, including whether the self-coordinated and data- assisted “light licensing” framework for the 70/80/90 GHz band could be utilized for the 42 GHz band.23 B. Discussion 13. Upon review of the record, we conclude that opening the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands for new and more intensive satellite use, with due consideration of compatibility with other uses of the spectrum, will provide the greatest benefit to American consumers among the options considered in the 13 Id. at 3801-02, paras. 21-23. 14 Id. at 3802-05, paras. 23-28. 15 Id. at 3805, para. 29-30. 16 Id. at 3805-07, paras. 31-33. 17 Spectrum Abundance NPRM, 40 FCC Rcd at 3811-12, paras. 46, 47. 18 Id. at 3812-13, para. 48. 19 Id. 20 Id. at 3807, 3813, paras. 34, 50. 21 Id. at 3807, paras. 34 22 Id. at para. 35. 23 Spectrum Abundance NPRM, 40 FCC Rcd at 3806, 3813, paras. 32, 52. The Spectrum Abundance NPRM was published in the Federal Register. 90 Fed. Reg. 27499 (June 27, 2025). In response, the Commission received 24 comments, 12 reply comments, and 7 ex parte presentations. A list of commenters and entities making ex parte presentations is contained in Appendix A. A number of parties filed comments asserting concerns about the potential negative health impact of increased electromagnetic radiation as a result of making spectrum available for satellite communications. See EHT Dec. 2, 2025, Ex Parte Letter, Wired Broadband Comments, and Wired Broadband Reply Comments (arguing generally that Commission-regulated equipment is subject to our rules limiting human exposure to radio frequency (RF) emissions from such equipment); see also 47 CFR §§ 1.1307(b), 1.1310. The Commission’s rules limiting human exposure to RF emissions are outside of the scope of this proceeding. 5 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 notices and responsive comments,24 by quickly enabling greater satellite broadband capacity in all parts of the United States, seamless mobile connectivity on aircraft and ships, and more robust gateway operations supporting user traffic. Indeed, comments in response to the Spectrum Abundance NPRM widely support increased use of both the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands for satellite communications.25 Commenters note that the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands are adjacent to spectrum already used for FSS,26 that creating contiguous blocks of spectrum would facilitate the provision of high-speed, broadband satellite services,27 and that satellite operators are positioned to immediately put the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands into use to provide service to consumers.28 More broadly, commenters point to the explosive recent growth in satellite communications, particularly via NGSO space stations,29 and argue that satellite use of these bands would enable ubiquitous broadband services across the entire United States and represents their highest and most productive use.30 14. Further, no commenter in response to the Spectrum Abundance NPRM opposes the addition of satellite allocations in the 12.7 GHz or 42 GHz bands.31 While earlier comments on the 12.7 GHz Band NPRM and 42 GHz Band NPRM were supportive of making additional spectrum available for terrestrial wireless communications in the 12.7 GHz32 and 42 GHz bands,33 arguing that more spectrum was needed for wireless broadband,34 commenters also stressed that bands below 12.7 GHz were of equal, 24 See infra Appx. G, Regulatory Impact Analysis. 25 See, e.g., CCIA Comments at 1-2; CSF Reply Comments at 1-2; Digital Liberty Comments at 2, 4; OTI/PK Comments at 7. 26 See Amazon Kuiper Comments at 2; CSF Reply Comments at 2; OTI/PK Comments at 4; SES et al. Comments at 2. 27 See Amazon Kuiper Reply Comments at 2; CSF Reply Comments at 2; Logos Comments at 3, 6-7; SpaceX Comments at 3-4; SpaceX Reply Comments at 3. 28 See Amazon Kuiper Comments at 5; Amazon Kuiper Reply Comments at 1; Logos Comments at 6-7; SES et al. Comments at 2, 9; SIA Comments at 3. Commenters also argue that the 42 GHz band is in high demand for use to provide next-generation satellite services. See CCIA Comments at 3; Amazon Kuiper Comments at 2-4; AST Comments at 3; SES et al. Comments at 11; SIA Comments at 8; SpaceX Comments at 5. 29 See OTI/PK Comments at 7 (“[G]lobal satellite capacity increased eight-fold over just three recent years . . . in 2023 and is forecast to increase another tenfold by 2028.”). 30 See Logos Comments at 3, 5; SES et al. Comments at 1; SES et al. Reply Comments at 1; SIA Comments at 10; SpaceX Comments at 1-2. 31 See Amazon Kuiper Reply Comments at 3. Although CTIA advocates setting aside the 12.7 GHz band as a “relocation band” for systems that may be displaced from the 1.3-10.5 GHz bands as a result of spectrum reallocations in other proceedings, CTIA Comments at 2, 5, it supports adopting allocations for FSS in the 12.7- 13.25 GHz band in a manner that ensures continued use by existing licensed terrestrial operators and would not preclude future use of the band for terrestrial fixed wireless operations. CTIA Comments at 5-6; CTIA Reply Comments at 2. Other terrestrial wireless advocates propose to maintain use of the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands for terrestrial fixed service, but not for mobile flexible use. See Association for Broadband Without Boundaries Reply Comments at 1; Micronet Reply Comments at 2; WISPA Comments at 1-2, 3. CTIA supports the provision of terrestrial wireless services in the 42 GHz band, but does not propose any particular uses and focuses its comments on the need for any new satellite allocations in the 42 GHz band to protect the existing licensing framework for Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) in adjacent bands, rather than on any expanded terrestrial use of the 12.7 GHz or 42 GHz band. CTIA Comments at 11-12; CTIA Reply Comments at 3, 6-7. 32 See, e.g., Go Long Wireless, LLC Comments at 1 (Aug. 9, 2023); Qualcomm, Inc. Comments at 5 (Aug. 9, 2023); Samsung Comments at 4 (Aug. 9, 2023); T-Mobile USA, Inc. Comments at 3 (Aug. 9, 2023). 33 See, e.g., Charter Commun., Inc. Comments at 1 (Aug. 30, 2023); Qualcomm, Inc. Comments at 4 (Aug. 30, 2023); T-Mobile USA, Inc. Comments at 2, 6 (Aug. 30, 2023). 34 See, e.g., T-Mobile Comments at 4 (Aug. 30, 2023); Verizon Comments at 2-3. 6 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 or greater, importance to terrestrial wireless providers.35 Since then, the Commission has made new spectrum available for enhanced terrestrial wireless deployment in bands more favorable to their use, including the Upper C-band.36 In contrast, the current record does not reflect significant interest in more intensive use of the 12.7 GHz or 42 GHz bands for terrestrial wireless services.37 Rather, commenters supporting continued terrestrial fixed operations in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands reflect that these operations can coexist with increased usage of the bands by satellite communications.38 Accordingly, as supported by the record and detailed below, we make the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands available for new and more intensive satellite services while offering continuing protection of incumbent terrestrial licensees, subject to a 10-year sunset in the 12.7 GHz band.39 1. 12.7 GHz Band 15. The 12.7 GHz band represents a rare opportunity for diverse and intensive use by satellite services. Allocated and used for FSS uplinks, but adjacent to two gigahertz of spectrum used for NGSO FSS downlinks, the band offers greater utility to GSO networks for uplink transmissions and NGSO systems for downlink reception. We adapt our frequency-use plan to maximize these benefits. Within the existing uplink FSS allocation, we allow both individually licensed gateways and feeder links communicating with GSO and NGSO satellites as well as blanket-licensed ESIMs on aircraft and ships communicating with GSO satellites. In addition, we adopt a new, primary downlink FSS (space-to-Earth) allocation for NGSO systems and enable blanket licensing of user terminals and ESIMs on land, sea, and air. To ensure compatibility under our intensive bi-directional spectrum-use plan, we require NGSO FSS downlinks to accept any interference from FSS uplinks, and require all FSS users to continue to protect incumbent terrestrial licensees for a period of ten years until such protections sunset, while changing the overall FS and MS allocations from primary to secondary. In sum, we aggressively unlock 525 megahertz of spectrum for new uses including high-speed consumer satellite broadband, in-demand flight 35 See, e.g., 5G Americas Comments at 4 (Aug. 9, 2023) (stating a preference that bands with propagation characteristics similar to C-band in the mid-band range be prioritized for licensed full-power, wide-area mobile broadband); Ericsson Comments at 12-13 (stating that access to the 3-8 GHz range remains critical to achieving coverage to serve 5G/6G applications); Verizon Comments at 4 (stating that it is imperative that the Commission focus efforts on making available mid-band spectrum that can support near term needs for wide-area nationwide deployments, such as the 3.1-2.45 GHz, 4.4-4.94 GHz, and 7.125-8.4 GHz bands). Satellite operators also argued in the earlier proceedings for access to the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands in order to provide satellite communications. See, e.g., Kuiper Systems LLC (Amazon) Comments at 2 (Aug. 30, 2023); Satellite Operators Joint Comments at 4 (Aug. 9, 2023). 36 See, e.g, Upper C-band (3.98-4.2 GHz), Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band, GN Docket Nos. 25- 59 and 18-122, Report and Order, Order of Proposed Modification, and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 26-46 (rel. Jul. 24, 2026); Auction of Advanced Wireless Services (AWS-3) Licenses, Notice and Filing Requirements, Minimum Opening Bids, Upfront Payments, and Other Procedures for Auction 113, Bidding Scheduled to Begin June 2, 2026, AU 3Docket No. 25-117, Public Notice, 40 FCC Rcd 10099 (OEA/WTB 2025). 37 In addition, commenters note that some terrestrial mobile operators have returned, or have not put to use, millimeter wave spectrum that was previously awarded by competitive biddings for terrestrial use in other bands. See, e.g., Amazon Kuiper Reply Comments at 3; OTI/PK Comments at 5; SES et al. Comments at 11-12; SIA Comments at 4, 8-9. 38 Micronet Reply Comments at 2 (stating that the 12.7 GHz band represents an opportunity to preserve use for high- capacity FS links while continuing to accommodate satellite uses); WISPA Comments at 4-5 (stating that terrestrial FS can coexist with increased use of the 12.7 GHz band by satellite communications, in either the Earth-to-space or space-to-Earth directions). 39 Consequently, and as supported and unopposed on the record, see SpaceX Reply Comments at 4-5, we terminate the separate proceedings examining the 12.7 GHz band (GN Docket No. 22-352) and the 42 GHz band (WT Docket No. 23-158). We do not terminate the proceeding in GN Docket No. 14-177 that examines broader issues regarding the use of spectrum bands for mobile radio services above 24 GHz in addition to the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands. 7 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 connectivity, and core gateway functions, to the ultimate benefit of the American public.40 a. NGSO Downlinks 16. NGSO constellations play a large and rapidly expanding role in broadband satellite connectivity.41 In the adjacent 10.7-12.7 GHz band, NGSO FSS systems already downlink to consumer terminals.42 We find that adding 525 megahertz of additional, contiguous downlink spectrum—a more than 25% increase–has the potential to accelerate broadband deployment in rural and remote areas of the United States in a manner that is faster, more affordable, and more scalable than existing alternatives.43 Further, we find this bi-directional operation is technically feasible by limiting potentially interfering ground-based uplinks to individually licensed gateway and feeder-link sites, among other technical measures detailed below.44 17. Opening the 12.7 GHz band to NGSO FSS downlink operation is a forward-looking decision taken at a time of unprecedented NGSO system deployment. While the 12.7-12.75 GHz band is already allocated for downlink FSS in ITU Regions 1 and 3—which will facilitate operations outside the United States—the majority of the 12.7 GHz band is limited to uplinks in the FSS allocations internationally.45 Rather than viewing the current international allocations as an impediment, as some commenters do,46 we form an independent decision with the best interests of the American public in mind.47 The Commission has taken a leadership stance in advancing the regulatory landscape for modern NGSO constellations.48 Here, we conclude that the benefits to the U.S. public from the fostering of high- speed connectivity that will result from opening a large block of contiguous Ku-band downlink spectrum for use by ubiquitous user terminals, particularly in areas of the United States that are currently unserved 40 In addition, we conclude that the record does not provide sufficient evidence to support the technical viability of CTIA’s proposal to reserve the 12.7 GHz band for services that could be relocated from other bands in the 1.3-10.5 GHz bands as a result of recent legislation. CTIA Comments at 2-3. In this respect, some comments express doubt as to whether all services could be relocated into the 12.7 GHz band and retain their current operations. WISPA Comments at 6. Furthermore, reserving the 12.7 GHz band as a relocation band would inhibit the more intensive use of the band for satellite communications and leave valuable spectrum resources underused for a long period of time in order to keep the spectrum available for relocation needs that may, or may not, realize as CTIA anticipates. See SES et al. Reply Comments at 7. 41 See generally, e.g., OTI/PK Comments at 7. 42 See SpaceX Comments at 3. 43 See CSF Reply Comments at 2; SpaceX Comments at 3-4. A downlink allocation is supported on the record as fostering more intensive satellite use of the band. See, e.g., Amazon Kuiper Comments at 2, n.5; CSF Reply Comments at 2-3; DIRECTV Comments at 3; SpaceX Comments at 2-5. 44 The record in this proceeding reflects an interest by GSO FSS operators in the 12.7 GHz band solely for uplink FSS operations. See generally SES et al. Comments; SES et al. Reply Comments. Limiting the downlink FSS allocation to NGSO space stations also avoids the need to consider potential restrictions on NGSO operations to protect GSO downlinks. 45 47 CFR at § 2.106(a); see also SIA Comments at 5. 46 See SES et al. Comments at 7-8. 47 Thus, although NGSO FSS downlink operations in the United States will not be able to benefit immediately from protection through international coordination procedures, due to the lack of international downlink allocations in Region 2, see SES et al. Comments at 8, we note that the Commission’s licensing and market access rules will afford primary status to these operations that must be respected by all satellite operations serving the United States. 48 See, e.g., Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband, SB Docket No. 25-157, Report and Order, FCC 26-26 (rel. May 1, 2026). 8 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 or underserved, outweighs the desire for international harmonization.49 18. Blanket Licensing and ESIMs. We find that our goal to provide additional spectrum resources for satellite communications can be furthered by allowing blanket-licensed user terminals, including ESIMs, to receive communications from NGSO satellites in the 12.7 GHz band. User terminals and ESIMs are already authorized to receive downlinks from NGSO satellites in the adjacent 11.7-12.7 GHz band.50 We find that user terminals and ESIMs can also do so in the 12.7 GHz band, in light of the similar propagation characteristics of the band, the PFD limits we are extending for the protection of terrestrial stations, the condition we impose that NGSO FSS receiving terminals be operated on an unprotected basis vis-à-vis uplink earth stations and grandfathered terrestrial stations.51 19. PFD Limit. In order to protect terrestrial operations from new NGSO FSS downlinks in the 12.7 GHz band, we extend the PFD limits that apply in the 10.7-11.7 GHz band to the 12.7 GHz band.52 Because of the similar transmission characteristics and terrestrial operations in these nearby bands, we find that applying these established PFD limits to the 12.7 GHz band will provide adequate protection to grandfathered terrestrial stations and will also be readily achievable by NGSO FSS systems already implementing these limits in the 10.7-11.7 GHz band when communicating with subscriber terminals.53 20. Footnotes NG53 and NG57. To facilitate more intensive use of the 12.75-13.25 GHz band by satellite communications, we also amend existing footnote NG5354 and delete existing footnote NG57,55 which limit the use of the band for satellite communications to favor terrestrial use and are 49 We also agree with comments that making the 12.7 GHz band available for NGSO FSS downlinks may encourage the availability of the band internationally as well, and that the public interest would not be served by delaying the introduction of such connectivity for U.S. consumers in the meantime. SpaceX Reply Comments at 3; Digital Liberty Comments at 3. To implement this new FSS downlink allocation, we add a new footnote, NG144, to the non-Federal Table and also amend the definition of the “extended Ku-band” in section 100.3 of our rules to include the 12.7-13.25 GHz frequency band and space-to-Earth direction. See infra Appx. B, Final Rules. 50 See footnotes NG527A, 47 CFR § 2.106(d)(527)(iii) and 5.487A, 47 CFR § 2.106(b)(487)(i). 51 Commenters support expanding use of the 12.7 GHz band to ESIMs. See SpaceX Comments at 2; CSF Comments at 2; OTI/PK Comments at 5-6. Although we afford primary status to both FSS (Earth-to-space) and FSS (space-to-Earth) in the United States in the 12.7 GHz band, we require earth stations operating with NGSO space stations under the FSS (space-to-Earth) allocation, including ESIMs, to accept any harmful interference when in geographic proximity to GSO FSS (Earth-to-space) transmitting earth stations. For ESIMs, we include the 12.7- 13.25 GHz band (space-to-Earth) in our amendment to footnote NG527A to authorize ESIMs receiving communications from NGSO FSS satellites, subject to the existing provision of footnote NG527A that NGSO systems may not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from harmful interference from, GSO networks. 47 CFR § 2.106(d)(527). We do not anticipate harmful interference from NGSO system downlinks to uplinks in the 12.7 GHz band because the NGSO satellite is transmitting towards the Earth, while the potential victim uplink station is the satellite receiver. 52 See SpaceX Comments at 4. No commenter opposes applying these PFD limits. 53 See 47 CFR § 2.106(a). 54 Footnote NG53 reserves sub-bands of the 12.75-13.25 GHz band for television pick up (TVPU) and CARS inside a 50 km radius of the top 100 television markets and prohibits NGSO FSS gateway stations from operating in these locations in these sub-bands. 47 CFR § 2.106(d)(53)(i)-(iv). Outside these areas, NGSO FSS gateway stations operate on a co-primary basis with terrestrial operations in these sub-bands. The provisions of NG53 do not apply to GSO FSS operations in the band. 47 CFR § 2.106(d)(53) at note 13. We amend footnote NG53 by deleting and reserving sub-paragraphs (i), (ii), and (iv) to remove the restrictions on NGSO FSS operations in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band. See infra Appx. B, Final Rules. 55 Footnote NG57 limits the use of the 12.75-13.25 GHz band by NGSO FSS systems to communications with individually licensed earth stations, such as gateway earth stations, without specifying a direction of transmission (continued….) 9 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 inconsistent with the frequency-use plan we adopt here. Nonetheless, as discussed below, NGSO FSS operations must protect or accept interference from grandfathered FS and MS operations in the band until the sunset of the protection for incumbent FS and MS by the date of publication of this Report and Order in the Federal Register plus 10 years. b. Individually Licensed Uplinks 21. There are existing FSS uplink operations authorized in the 12.7 GHz band in the United States, including operations under the procedures for “planned bands” pursuant to Appendix 30B of the ITU Radio Regulations.56 We find there is a public interest in preserving and expanding these operations in order to continue service to customers and to maintain protections afforded to U.S. operations under Appendix 30B. We can do so compatibly under our intensive, bi-directional frequency-use plan by limiting deployments to individually licensed gateway and feeder-link earth stations and by lifting the temporary filing freeze in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band but maintaining the freeze in the 12.7-12.75 GHz band to protect adjacent-band operations.57 22. The uplink FSS allocation in the 12.7 GHz band is not available for blanket licensing,58 and GSO uplinks are further limited to international systems (i.e., uplinks from the United States that are forwarded in the downlink direction to other countries) in order to limit the number of earth stations to facilitate the growth of BAS, CARS, and fixed microwave operations.59 Given that we are designating this band for more intensive satellite use, and limiting protected terrestrial stations to existing incumbents, below, this restriction is unnecessary and would be unduly constraining on the FSS. Accordingly, we remove this restriction, which is contained in footnote NG52 to the U.S. Table.60 23. At the same time, to enable the successful, blanket-licensed NGSO downlink operation we found would serve the public interest above, we limit uplinks from the ground in the 12.7 GHz band to individually licensed gateway and feeder-link earth stations communicating with GSO and NGSO space stations.61 Individually licensed earth station operations in the 12.7 GHz band will be subject to the (Continued from previous page) (Earth-to-space or space-to-Earth). 47 CFR § 2.106(d)(57). We delete footnote NG57 in its entirety. See infra Appx. B, Final Rules. 56 See Spectrum Abundance FNPRM and NPRM, 40 FCC Rcd at 3806, para. 32 n.69 (citing ITU Radio Regulations, Appendix 30B, Provisions and associated Plan for the fixed-satellite service in the frequency bands 4500-4800 MHz, 6725-7025 MHz, 10.70-10.95 GHz, 11.20-11.45 GHz, and 12.75-13.25 GHz). 57 A temporary freeze on new space station and earth station applications was instituted in the 12.7 GHz band to preserve the landscape of authorized operations pending the Commission’s consideration of actions in this proceeding. 12.7 GHz Band NPRM, 38 FCC Rcd at 5321, para. 67. Now that action has been taken, the freeze on new applications in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band is no longer necessary and maintaining it would frustrate the goal of making the 12.75-13.25 GHz band more accessible for satellite communications. Lifting this freeze is also broadly supported by comments. See, e.g., Ovzon Mar. 27, 2026, Ex Parte Letter at 1; SIA Comments at 4; SES et al. Comments at 5. Accordingly, in light of our decision to make the 12.75-13.25 GHz band available for more intensive use by satellite communications, we lift the temporary freeze on new space and earth station license applications and new requests for U.S. market access that seek to operate in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band, effective upon publication of this Report and Order in the Federal Register. The order lifting the freeze in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band is procedural in nature and, therefore, is not subject to the effective-date requirement of the Administrative Procedure Act. See 5 U.S.C. § 553(d). As discussed below, we replace the temporary freeze on the filing of new space and earth station applications in the 12.7-12.75 GHz band with a permanent freeze to protect adjacent-band downlink receivers of satellite television and NGSO FSS. 58 See 47 CFR § 2.106(d)(57); see also, e.g., 47 CFR § 25.115(c)(1). 59 Spectrum Abundance NPRM, 40 FCC Rcd at 3801-02, para. 21. 60 Specifically, we amend footnote NG52 to remove the band 12.75-13.25 GHz (Earth-to-space) from the limitation to international systems. See infra Appx. B, Final Rules. 61 See infra Appx. B, Final Rules (adding new footnote NG144). 10 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 Commission’s existing earth station licensing rules.62 Limiting ground uplinks to gateways and feeder links will reduce the number of geographic areas where blanket-licensed NGSO FSS downlinks could experience harmful interference.63 In contrast, ubiquitous deployment of transmitting earth stations on the ground could cause widespread harmful interference to NGSO FSS downlinks in the 12.7 GHz band and severely constrain its bi-directional utility.64 24. Permanent Application Freeze in 12.7-12.75 GHz for FSS (Earth-to-space). The 12.7- 12.75 GHz band lies directly adjacent to the 12.2-12.7 GHz band which is used by satellite television customers as well as FSS downlink operations. Concerns were raised in the record that increased use of this band by FSS uplinks could cause harmful interference to these adjacent-band receivers.65 We find that freezing current space and earth station assignments for FSS (Earth-to-space) both supports and protects existing uplink capacity for incumbent space and earth stations and also permits the 12.7-12.75 GHz band to continue to serve as a buffer between existing and future FSS (Earth-to-space) operations in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band and satellite television and FSS downlink operations in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band.66 62 These rules include, but are not limited to, restrictions on power and out-of-band emissions for transmitting earth stations contained in section 25.204 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR § 25.204, minimum antenna elevation angle requirements of section 25.205, 47 CFR § 25.205, the earth station antenna performance standards of section 25.209, 47 CFR § 25.209, and the off-axis EIRP density envelopes of section 25.218. 47 CFR § 25.218. In order to ensure that existing rules apply to increased use of the 12.7 GHz band by satellite uplinks, we amend the definition of the “extended Ku-band” in section 100.3 of our rules to include this frequency band and direction. 47 CFR § 100.3. We also note that existing section 25.205 of our rules requires that earth station antennas must not transmit at elevation angles less than five degrees in a frequency band with an allocation to space services operating in both the Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth directions. 47 CFR § 25.205(a). Paragraph (b) of section 25.205, 47 CFR § 25.205(b), prohibits earth stations aboard aircraft from transmitting at elevation angles of less than three degrees on the ground, but this paragraph is not applicable because we limit ESIM transmissions from aircraft in the 12.75- 13.25 GHz band to aircraft operating at altitude. 63 Some commenters prefer to restrict use of the 12.7 GHz band to FSS uplinks and oppose opening it to FSS downlinks, particularly to ubiquitous blanket-licensed receiving earth stations. See generally SES et al. Comments; SES et al. Reply Comments. To the extent that ubiquitous deployments are contemplated in the 12.7 GHz band, they assert that such deployments should be provided for uplink FSS operations, not downlink. See SES et al. Comments at 8 (citing decisions by European regulators and the ITU to allow ubiquitous ESIM uplinks in the 12.75- 13.25 GHz band); Id. at 4 (supporting uplinks from blanket-licensed, fixed very small aperture terminals (VSATs)); SES et al. Reply Comments at 3. We need not choose between extremes. Instead, as described below, we authorize ubiquitous uplinks from aeronautical and maritime ESIMs to GSO satellites as well as ubiquitous downlinks from NGSO satellites to user terminals on the ground and ESIMs. This accommodates both uses and recognizes the explosive recent and anticipated future growth of NGSO capacity serving the United States, without the preclusive effects that uplink VSAT deployment could have. 64 We note that it also mitigates the potential for interference from FSS uplinks to satellite television downlinks in the adjacent 12.2-12.7 GHz band by eliminating the risk of ubiquitously deployed transmitting earth stations in proximity to consumer terminals receiving satellite television signals. See DIRECTV Comments at 3-4 (stating that technical analyses need to be undertaken before blanket-licensed FSS uplink transmissions are allowed in the 12.7 GHz band). 65 DIRECTV, whose customers receive its satellite television service using the primary allocation for Broadcasting- Satellite Service (BSS) in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band, supports more rigorous use of the 12.7 GHz band by satellite services, but notes that appropriate technical analyses and mitigation measures must be taken before authorizing new uplink use cases in the band, particularly if blanket-licensed. DIRECTV Comments at 2. 66 We effectuate this freeze by adding text to new footnote NG144 stating that applications for new FSS (Earth-to- space) space and earth station licenses in the 12.7-12.75 GHz band will not be accepted after the effective date of this Report and Order. See infra Appx. B, Final Rules. As of the effective date of this Report and Order, we lift the existing temporary freeze in new space and earth station applications in the 12.7-12.75 GHz band and replace this temporary freeze with the freeze contained in new footnote NG144. 11 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 c. GSO ESIMs in 12.75-13.25 GHz 25. In addition to ubiquitous NGSO downlinks and individually licensed NGSO and GSO uplinks, we conclude that it is technically feasible, and would serve the public interest, to permit blanket- licensed uplinks in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band from ESIMs on aircraft at altitude and ships away from the coastline communicating with GSO space stations. Such operations are already permitted internationally.67 Allowing flights and maritime voyages to use this spectrum in U.S. airspace and at sea promotes seamless and enhanced connectivity for these mobile applications of the FSS. This decision is reflected in a revised version of footnote NG527A.68 26. Further, limiting uplink ESIMs to GSO networks is consistent with international treatment, supported by commenters,69 and promotes compatibility with NGSO downlinks (including to ESIMs) in this band.70 And, unlike ubiquitously deployed ground terminals or ESIMs operating directly at airports or ports, transmitting ESIMs at altitude or at sea will not create bi-directional interference risk due to their geographic separation from potential victim NGSO downlink user terminals.71 We observe that the international limits for GSO ESIMs transmissions in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band were adopted at WRC-23 to protect terrestrial receivers on the ground and FSS uplinks to NGSO space stations.72 These limits were not adopted to protect NGSO FSS downlinks, which we are permitting within the United States on a primary basis. Uplinks to GSO space stations can cause harmful interference to NGSO receivers located in geographic proximity to the transmitting earth station. In order to mitigate potential wide-areas of interference, in addition to the international limits we limit transmissions from GSO ESIMS on aircraft to altitudes of three kilometers or higher while within the airspace of the United States.73 This 67 ITU Radio Regulations No. 5.496A; Resolution 121 (WRC-23). 68 47 CFR § 2.106(d)(527). Specifically, we amend paragraph (ii) of footnote NG527A to add the 12.75-13.25 GHz band (Earth-to-space) to the bands in which ESIMs may communicate with GSO space stations on a primary basis, and amend paragraph (iii) to add the 12.75-13.25 GHz band (space-to-Earth) to the bands in which ESIMs may communicate with NGSO space stations on a primary basis. In addition, we amend sections 100.275(n) and (o) to include the 12.75-13.25 GHz band with the frequency bands that are available for use by ESIMs communicating with GSO and NGSO FSS space stations through individual or blanket license applications. In light of our decision below to grandfather incumbent FS and MS operations in the band on a primary basis, our amendment to section 100.275 states that blanket licensing in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band is on an unprotected, non-interference basis with respect to current systems operating in the fixed and mobile service. See infra Appx. B, Final Rules. 69 SES et al. Comments at 4. No commenters requested or supported permitting ESIM uplinks to NGSO space stations in the 12.7 GHz band. In contrast, NGSO satellite operators have expressed interest in communications with ESIMs solely in the downlink direction. 70 While CTIA opposes ESIM uplinks as incompatible with flexible use terrestrial deployments in the 12.7 GHz band, we determine above to pursue more intensive satellite use of this band and decline to introduce flexible use terrestrial services. See CTIA Comments at 3; CTIA Reply Comments at 2, 5; see also Comsearch Comments at 1. With respect to the aeronautical and maritime ESIMs we authorize here, we note that PFD and EIRP limits have been developed internationally, and will be applied under our modified rules, for the protection of terrestrial services from ESIM transmissions. 71 ESIMs use high directivity antennas to communicate with space stations, and thus ESIMs aboard aircraft and maritime vessels direct their transmissions away from the ground. By limiting these transmissions to when the ESIMs are at high altitude or far from the coast, it provides geographic separation from NGSO FSS receiver terminals on the ground and alleviates the risk of the ESIM transmissions causing harmful interference. This limitation is also likely to reduce the potential for interference from GSO ESIM uplinks to NGSO ESIM downlinks in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band, since aircraft and maritime vessels maintain substantial geographic separation from each other under normal operations. 72 See Resolution 121 (WRC-23), Annex 2 (providing PFD limits to protect terrestrial services) and Annex 3 (providing EIRP limits to protect uplinks to NGSO space stations). 73 We incorporate this requirement as part of our amendment of footnote NG527A. See infra Appx. B. 12 Federal Communications Commission FCC-CIRC2609-02 additional limitation will prevent transmissions by GSO ESIMs on aircraft, either on the ground or in the air, while they are in close geographic proximity to an NGSO FSS receiver. 27. 12.7-12.75 GHz. In contrast to the 12.75-13.25 GHz band, the 12.7-12.75 GHz band has no international framework for ESIMs or an uplink FSS allocation outside Region 2. Accordingly, there is less benefit to opening the 12.2-12.7 GHz band for use by ESIM uplinks. We find that the 50 megahertz of spectrum in the 12.7-12.75 GHz band can serve as an appropriate buffer between the operation of ESIMs aboard aircraft and maritime vessels in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band and the operation of satellite television and FSS downlinks in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band. d. Incumbent Terrestrial Licensees 28. We find that the 12.7 GHz band can be more intensively used for satellite communications while also preserving incumbent fixed microwave, BAS, and CARS operations, and without needing to consider “repacking” terrestrial operators to a subset of the band. Above, we decide to open the 12.7 GHz band to bi-directional satellite communications. To support compatibility between these different satellite uses, we limit ground earth station uplinks to individually licensed gateways and feeder links. This decision also benefits incumbent terrestrial systems, by reducing the number of uplink earth station sites, and eliminates any need for repacking, which is premised on ubiquitous transmitting earth station deployment in the band.74 Nonetheless, given our analysis75 and determination that the public interest would be served by making the 12.7 GHz band more available for satellite communications – including blanket-licensed receiving earth stations – there must be a cap on the number and operation of potentially interfering terrestrial stations. To balance reasonable incumbent continuity without stifling new entrant growth, we limit FS and MS deployments in the 12 GHz band to the grandfathering of current licensees,76 subject to a 10-year sunset period, after which incumbent terrestrial operations’ status will automatically change from co-primary to secondary. 29. Sunset Period. To ameliorate the burden on incumbents of relocating their operations to other bands or technologies, we are adopting a sunset period of ten years from the publication of this Order in the Federal Register for continued co-primary status of existing terrestrial stations.77 After this date, grandfathered FS and MS systems may continue to operate in the 12.7 GHz band, but on an unprotected, non-harmful interference basis vis-à-vis FSS (Earth-to-space) and FSS (space-to-Earth) operations. The Commission sought comment on whether increasing the use of the 12.7 GHz band by satellite communications requires a sunsetting of the protection for incumbent FS and MS operations similar to that proposed in the 12.7 GHz Band NPRM.78 The Commission sought comment on sunset 74 GSO space station operators support the repacking of existing terrestrial licensees into a smaller portion of the 12.7 GHz band in order to facilitate the authorization of blanket-licensed earth stations transmitting to GSO space stations. SES et al. Comments at 5-6. But see SpaceX Comments at 4; SpaceX May 1, 2026, Ex Parte Letter at 1. Repacking existing terrestrial licensees would also incur significant expense and based on the record there is no clear or straightforward mechanism for determining which entities would bear the costs of such repacking. See OTI/PK Comments at 9. 75 See infra Appx. G (benefit-cost analysis of alternatives considered). 76 Accordingly, in conjunction with the grandfathering provision and downgrading of FS and MS allocations to secondary, we make permanent the temporary freeze on applications for new fixed microwave, BAS, and CARS licenses that has been in effect since