In a significant regulatory move, SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX) has formally requested that U.S. regulators include NextNav's (NASDAQ:NN) proposed 900 MHz spectrum band in the upcoming expansion of satellite-to-phone rules. The request, filed on October 23, comes just days before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is scheduled to vote on the matter on October 29.
The filing, made by SpaceX's satellite policy director Alison Minea, urges the FCC to add the 902–928 MHz band to the list of frequencies eligible for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS). Currently, the FCC's draft proposal would expand eligible bands from five to thirteen, adding 482 MHz of spectrum, but notably excludes the 900 MHz range. SpaceX's request seeks to change that.
Minea argued that "doing so now saves time later," highlighting the potential for streamlined regulatory approval if the band is included in the initial SCS framework. The request follows meetings between SpaceX officials and FCC staff on October 21 and 22, signaling a coordinated effort to influence the decision.
NextNav's Terrestrial Ambitions
NextNav has proposed a nationwide terrestrial license within the 902–928 MHz band, a 26 MHz span. However, its detailed band plan allocates only 15 MHz for 5G broadband and positioning services, with the remaining 11 MHz reserved for other location and monitoring operations. The 5G channels are paired as a 10 MHz downlink and a 5 MHz uplink, representing about 58% of the full band.
The company's plan integrates mobile broadband with ground-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, designed to complement GPS in environments where satellite signals are unavailable or unreliable. NextNav argues that using standard 5G channel sizes would facilitate integration into existing mobile networks.
SpaceX's request is conditional on FCC approval of NextNav's terrestrial plan. The filing explicitly states that no commercial agreement exists between the two companies, and SpaceX's interest appears strategic, aiming to secure satellite access to the band should NextNav's proposal succeed.
Regulatory and Industry Pushback
The FCC's draft notice, circulated on October 8, proposes significant changes to SCS rules, including custom coverage areas and more flexible arrangements with terrestrial licensees. Satellite applicants could certify coexistence agreements or ownership of relevant terrestrial licenses. These changes would affect how operators assemble coverage rights but do not set a deployment timeline for NextNav's band.
However, the proposal faces opposition from the Security Industry Association (SIA), which filed a challenge on September 22, questioning the validity of NextNav's field tests. The SIA argues that the transmission powers used in tests do not represent the proposed network and has asked regulators to disregard the evidence when assessing interference risks.
NextNav has pushed back, with technology executive John Kim stating in a January 30 response that the SIA-sponsored interference study's conclusions "do not withstand scrutiny and should be set aside by the Commission." The competing assessments remain unresolved claims from interested parties.
Market Implications and Next Steps
The FCC's October 29 meeting agenda includes consideration of the satellite notice at 10:30 a.m. Eastern. If adopted, the notice would only initiate a comment period, with final rules still to follow. The immediate question is whether the adopted notice includes SpaceX's requested 902–928 MHz addition.
For investors, the outcome could have significant implications for both SpaceX and NextNav. SpaceX, which has been expanding its satellite-to-phone services, sees the 900 MHz band as a valuable addition to its spectrum portfolio. NextNav, meanwhile, needs FCC approval for its terrestrial plan before any satellite use can be considered.
Risks remain, including the possibility that the FCC could exclude the band or alter the proposed rules. Incumbent users in the 900 MHz band, including industrial and utility operations, may also raise concerns. Technical conditions for satellite use could further limit deployment.
Stocktwits' Monday report also noted an earlier August letter from SpaceX on deployment requirements for NextNav's proposed band, indicating that SpaceX's interest predates the current regulatory push. This suggests a long-term strategic focus on securing access to the spectrum.
As the FCC vote approaches, market watchers will be closely monitoring the outcome. A favorable decision could accelerate the path to satellite services in the 900 MHz band, while a rejection would force SpaceX to look elsewhere for additional spectrum capacity.
