by Dianne Northfield
SpaceX’s Starlink is a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) that provides broadband internet and satellite direct-to-device services. SpaceX is currently authorised by the FCC to launch 4,408 Gen1 and 15,000 Gen2 satellites. In May 2026, the FCC approved SpaceX’s acquisition of EchoStar's 10 MHz of nationwide H-Block spectrum,… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
In 2026, vendors are focused on advancing their agendas for the future use of Upper 6 GHz spectrum and shoring up their positions on key IMT and satellite-related WRC-27 Agenda Items. While vendors typically agree that 6G will use existing and new spectrum resources, their positions vary on current and… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
As Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) continues its LEO satellite deployment, it stands in a bolstered position in 2026. In February 2026, the company has been authorised by the FCC to launch an additional 4,504 satellites, ultimately bringing its total fleet to 7,736 satellites. Meanwhile, in April 2026, Amazon announced… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
Huawei prioritises nationwide exclusively licensed spectrum policies in support of the deployment of wide area macro-cellular IMT networks and their evolution. It asserts that the Upper 6 GHz band is the only feasible spectrum opportunity for the launch of 6G mobile networks. For 6G, Huawei also identifies sub-1 GHz and… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
Cisco supports multiple spectrum management models, including licensed, lightly licensed, unlicensed and shared spectrum, to meet the diverse needs of different users and use cases, including IoT and private networks. While supporting the allocation of new frequencies to mobile services, Cisco strongly advocates for the use of the upper 6… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
Apple recognises the importance of unlicensed and shared spectrum access and hybrid connectivity solutions. It argues that licence-exempt wireless access systems play a key role in global connectivity, complementing licensed mobile networks and driving innovation in devices and services. To meet future indoor connectivity needs, Apple argues that regulators will… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
Samsung supports a wide range of spectrum, including low-, mid- and high-band, enabling tailored 5G deployments for different environments and operator requirements. It prioritises the availability of full-power, licensed spectrum suitable for wide-area mobile broadband networks. Samsung argues that additional spectrum assignment to support both licence-exempt and licensed mobile spectrum… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
Qualcomm argues that additional spectrum for both exclusively licensed 5G and 6G operations and unlicensed use cases is needed to support growing demands and generational mobile technology advances. It considers that the emergence of 6G opens the door to transformative opportunities across all spectrum bands — low, mid and high… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
Nokia prioritises the release of individually licensed spectrum for high-power terrestrial mobile operations with nationwide usage rights. It also supports innovative spectrum management through policies supporting managed shared spectrum, unlicensed spectrum and spectrum for use by vertical industries. Nokia urges regulators to defer decisions on Upper 6 GHz sharing until… Read more...
by Dianne Northfield
With interests in both 5G/6G and Wi-Fi connectivity, Intel has a long history of supporting spectrum allocations for use by both licensed (e.g., 5G/6G) and unlicensed (e.g., Wi-Fi) technologies. Given the global unlicensed equipment ecosystem, Intel argues that countries should aim to make bands like the 5925-7125 MHz range available… Read more...