NRAO Opposing SpaceX's Direct-to-Handset Plans

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory opposes SpaceX’s petition seeking U.S. market access for a direct-to-cellular payload operating in the mobile satellite service (see 2212070005). In an FCC International Bureau filing last week, NRAO said the opposition is similar to red flags it raised about other satellite-delivered mobile service proposals from AST and Lynk Global. It said a T-Mobile phone operating in the National Radio Quiet Zone not served by the carrier will result in a satellite downlink beam that "bath[es] the NRQZ at harmfully-interfering levels in the hopes of serving that phone." NRAO said its sister Green Bank Observatory shared in the opposition. SpaceX didn't comment Monday.