SpaceX says Dish’s 5G plan would be ‘detrimental’ to millions of Starlink users

Image: SpaceX

The company is trying to prevent other companies from using the same radio frequencies as it does Starlink satellites. In a rare media call with reporters, representatives from the company reiterated how damaging it would be for Starlink users if the FCC opened up the 12 GHz band to other uses.

David Goldman said during the call that the band would become useless. It could end services for customers

The company hopes to use the spectrum to build out its new 5G network, which it believes will be a win for consumers.

The FCC opened up the possibility of using the 12 GHz band for other uses in January of 2021. Satellite operators have been using the 12 GHz band for years to operate their satellites and, in the case of Starlink, its mega-constellation. The FCC put out a call for companies to come up with ways to use the 12 GHz spectrum for 5G.

The company does not want the FCC to allow 5G in the 12 GHz band. The company argued in a letter to the FCC that allowing the use of 12 GHz for 5G would cause Starlink users to experience harmful interference 77 percent of the time. The company sent an email to Starlink users that encouraged them to send messages to the FCC and relevant lawmakers to urge them not to change the band. The lack of public support for Dish means the expanded spectrum isn't necessary, according to the company.

Goldman said they haven't seen anything from either Dell or Dish where they've been able to get customers to file in support of their service They don't actually have a service. This is not about providing service. They are trying to get new spectrum rights at the expense of people who use the band.

As it builds out a nationwide 5G network, it is looking for more spectrum to use. The company faces steep fines if it doesn't reach 70% of the US by June of next year. Only 22 percent of the population can be reached by its network.

According to the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition, the concerns about the 12 GHz band are overstated. They argue that the FCC was tricked into thinking that the kind of interference Starlink users would experience was normal. This tactic, which is commonly used by Musk, is not only disingenuous, but it also promulgates an anti-5G narrative that is harmful to American consumers.

The 5G use of the 12 GHz band would cause interference, according to a study by the company. The study said that the terminals within the 5G coverage area suffered an exceedance. It's a unanimous technical finding that using 12 GHz for 5G will cause disruption, according to the company.

Multiple Starlink users explained how the internet satellite service has benefited them on a media call. The service could potentially reach millions of people, according to the company.

Goldman said that they were optimistic that the FCC would maintain the successful rule. If that were not the case, millions of people who use these services would be adversely affected.