AT&T files with the FCC seeking to put the kibosh on T-Mobile’s satellite-to-cellular plan

AT&T seeks to stop the FCC from approving T-Mobile’s satellite-to-cellular satellite service

AT&T also claims that the “technical showings” submitted by T-Mobile/SpaceX “are woefully insufficient regarding the risk of harmful interference posed by their planned SCS
deployments.” Speaking of which, in its FCC filing, AT&T says, “To date, it does not appear that SpaceX and T-Mobile have begun testing any SCS deployments.”

The submission explains what AT&T wants from the FCC and why it should get its way. “The Commission should reject SpaceX’s request to simply take it at its word that it will not cause interference,” says the nation’s third-largest wireless carrier. “As commenters have made clear, the Commission must ensure above all else that SCS operations do not jeopardize the delivery of terrestrial services that enhance Americans’ lives and fuel economic growth.”

The complaint also adds that T-Mobile and SpaceX failed to obtain waivers necessary since the FCC’s current leasing rules prevent lessees using spectrum held aside for terrestrial mobile use to be used for satellite services. AT&T also wants the FCC to find out how SpaceX plans to prevent the service from causing interference with other authorized terrestrial
services in the PCS G Block including T-Mobile’s own operations.

The point AT&T is making here is an interesting one. It is saying that FCC rules demand that protection for terrestrial service tops SCS service in importance and that includes T-Mobile’s own terrestrial operations. And since T-Mobile’s PCS G Block co-channel operations face interference from the SCS service, the latter should not be approved.

The complaint concludes by saying. “AT&T supports the Commission continuing a case-by-case waiver approach to SCS operations. But the application in this proceeding falls far short of the waiver standard and raises questions that require further technical analysis and clarification. The applications should not be granted unless and until SpaceX and T-Mobile are able to make the required showings.”

T-Mobile announced its partnership with SpaceX last year

As T-Mobile said when announcing the partnership with SpaceX, “With this technology, T-Mobile is planning to give customers text coverage practically everywhere in the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and territorial waters, even outside the signal of T-Mobile’s network starting with a beta in select areas by the end of next year after SpaceX’s planned satellite launches.”

The carrier added, “Text messaging, including SMS, MMS, and participating messaging apps, will empower customers to stay connected and share experiences nearly everywhere. Afterwards, the companies plan to pursue the addition of voice and data coverage.”