United States of America: Federal Communications Commission opened consultation on EchoStar’s use of 2 GHz Bands for mobile-satellite services (SB Docket No. 25-173)

On 12 May 2025, the Federal Communications Commission’s Space Bureau opened a consultation on EchoStar Corporation’s use of the 2 GHz mobile-satellite service (MSS) spectrum. The consultation will remain open until 27 May 2025. It concerns satellite communications providers operating in the 2000–2020 MHz (Earth-to-space) and 2180–2200 MHz (space-to-Earth) bands, specifically EchoStar and its subsidiaries. The Commission is seeking comment on whether EchoStar’s current use of the 2 GHz spectrum is consistent with its authorisations and with the Commission’s rules and policies concerning MSS deployment. The consultation also invites views on potential measures to increase spectrum utilisation, including the possibility of admitting new MSS operators.