T-Mobile is challenging an FCC proposal to open 482 MHz of radio spectrum for satellite-to-phone services, raising concerns over potential signal collisions and network interference in bands used for terrestrial 5G infrastructure.
The dispute concerns the authority's plans to open up additional radio frequencies for services that connect satellites directly to mobile phones. The plan involves freeing up a section of radio waves between the frequencies 2496 and 2690 megahertz, which will operate as a supplementary mobile phone service via satellite.
T-Mobile has raised the issue in meetings with the authority and filed a ten-page document ahead of the Oct. 29 meeting. The company has long-term leases and licenses for most of these frequencies, using them as a key foundation for its fast mobile network.
Why T-Mobile is worried about interference
The company claims that satellite signals cannot maintain the same synchronized rate as terrestrial antennas, which leads to signal collisions. According to T-Mobile, these collisions can cause dropped calls, including emergency calls, as well as a significant reduction in coverage area.
READ ALSO
Why smartphones need the internet for advanced features
Although the company's report does not explicitly name SpaceX or other satellite providers, the move comes shortly after SpaceX announced plans to become the fourth-largest mobile carrier in the United States, using satellites, ground antennas and small transmitters.
The regulator acknowledges the risks of interference in its plans, but T-Mobile argues that risk-mitigation measures will lead to a substantial loss of spectrum utility.
G
Hacks.gr on Google
Set it as a preferred source for cybersecurity updates.
Preferred source
Top comments (0)