AT&T has filed concerns with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over T-Mobile and SpaceX’s proposal to connect mobile phones to Starlink satellites. In August 2022, T-Mobile and SpaceX announced their plans for a satellite-to-cellular service, which would allow mobile phone users to connect to SpaceX’s second-generation Starlink satellites to send text messages and MMS.
AT&T’s Concerns
In its filing, AT&T expressed concerns that supplemental coverage from space (SCS) should not interfere with terrestrial wireless service. The company argued that the FCC must prioritize protecting terrestrial networks and that T-Mobile and SpaceX’s proposals don’t provide enough information about potential interference. AT&T stated that “The Applicants’ technical showings are woefully insufficient regarding the risk of harmful interference posed by their planned SCS deployments.”
Insufficient Technical Showings
AT&T claims that T-Mobile and SpaceX’s applications fall short of meeting the threshold for waiver and cannot be granted in their current state. The company believes that the technical showings provided by T-Mobile and SpaceX are insufficient and do not provide enough information about the potential risks of harmful interference.
Call for Comments
AT&T’s filing was part of a call for comments from the FCC on T-Mobile and SpaceX’s plans for the satellite-to-cellular service. AT&T’s concerns are an indication of the potential difficulties that satellite-to-cellular services may face in the future. As more companies look to develop these services, it will be important to ensure that they do not interfere with terrestrial wireless networks.
In summary, AT&T has raised concerns over T-Mobile and SpaceX’s plans for a satellite-to-cellular service, arguing that there is insufficient information about potential interference. The FCC will need to carefully consider these concerns and ensure that any satellite-to-cellular services do not interfere with terrestrial wireless networks.
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