FCC International Bureau Circulating NGSO Rules Update NPRM

The FCC International Bureau is proposing updates to Part 2 and 25 rules specifically to facilitate deployment of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed satellite service constellations. An FCC official told us the NPRM put on circulation Friday also seeks comment on technical rules for spectrum sharing. The official said the agency asks for input on its current rule governing in-line events -- when two NGSO systems come within 10 degrees of aligning with each other, necessitating either coordination or splitting of spectrum -- and whether that 10-degree rule should be modified. It also seeks comment on a SpaceX proposal on the FCC's rule requiring an NGSO constellation to be completely launched within six years of license grant, with the company pushing for a lower milestone of 75 percent of the constellation, the official said. The NPRM likely won't be on a future monthly meeting agenda but voted on circulation, the official said.