Dish: SpaceX Request for Mobile Starlink Service a 'Lawless, Pirate Application'
SpaceX's plan to offer a Starlink service for mobile users is facing resistance from Dish Network, which is demanding the FCC reject the company’s application for the necessary radio spectrum.
On Thursday, Dish Network sent a terse one-page filing(Opens in a new window) to the FCC, objecting to SpaceX's request to access the 2GHz radio band to power the mobile Starlink service.
“Any such evaluation need only be brief. This is a lawless, pirate application. The Commission should dismiss it without accepting it for filing,” Dish said. In addition, the company wants to participate in all FCC proceedings about the matter.
Back in July, when SpaceX requested access to the 2GHz band, it noted that Dish is currently licensed to use the radio spectrum, but claimed “there is scant evidence” that the company is actually using it for mobile satellite service purposes.
“While Dish is authorized to deploy a terrestrial network operating in this band, the limited reach of its long-promised network will leave large portions of the country completely unserved by 2GHz operations,” SpaceX added.
Elon Musk's company plans on using the 2GHz spectrum so that the mobile Starlink service can receive data from satellites orbiting the planet. The goal is to deliver “next-gen” communication services to cellular dead zones.
However, Dish told the FCC it plans on using the 2GHz band for its own ground-based 5G cellular network. The company also claims SpaceX is breaking regulatory rules by requesting the 2GHz radio spectrum access.
“The so-called modification request also seeks authority to provide a brand new service – Mobile-Satellite Service, even as the Starlink system only has authority to provide Fixed Satellite Service,” Dish
Read more on pcmag.com
