The FCC has adopted rules that will enable non-geostationary orbit fixed-satellite service operations in the 17.3-17.7 GHz band in the space-to-Earth (downlink) direction on a co-primary basis with incumbent services and on a shared, co-primary basis with geostationary satellite orbit services. However, these services will operate on an unprotected basis with terrestrial fixed services. The FCC hopes that this spectrum will allow satellite operations to deploy advanced services, such as high-speed internet access, in unserved and underserved areas.
