TAMPA, Fla. — OQ Technology’s Upcoming Satellite Deployment
Luxembourg-based OQ Technology is poised to launch a small satellite aimed at harnessing C-band frequencies to enable smartphone connectivity from low Earth orbit. This initiative aligns with SpaceX’s efforts to repurpose segments of the spectrum for direct-to-device (D2D) services.
According to CEO Omar Qaise, the company anticipates the deployment of its inaugural dedicated D2D satellite by mid-year. This satellite will complement an existing constellation that currently employs S-band frequencies to connect proprietary off-the-grid tracking and monitoring devices.
Qaise indicated that OQ plans to introduce a specialized S-band D2D payload later in the year, following a successful test where one of the ten Internet of Things (IoT) satellites dispatched an emergency broadcast message to standard, unmodified smartphones.
He elaborated that C-band offers considerably greater bandwidth than S-band, facilitating enhanced voice and data services beyond conventional cell tower limits. Additionally, the improved propagation characteristics of C-band allow for narrower beams, which mitigate the risks of interference.
Further, OQ is strategizing a third D2D satellite this year, potentially incorporating both S-band and C-band capabilities tailored for smartphones. This would also feature expanded capacity for IoT services targeted at mass-market devices, following initial tests conducted late last year.
The C-band D2D Opportunity
Pending regulatory approvals, Qaise stated that OQ intends to pilot the C-band D2D service first in Luxembourg and subsequently in the United States, having filed requests for frequency allocations with international regulators.
“It’s still in its infancy,” Qaise cautioned, “as no formal structure exists for C-band D2D services; the band is currently designated for fixed geostationary satellites.”
“Nonetheless, reminiscent of the swift developments seen with the S-band, we expect progress to accelerate once we initiate demonstrations, conduct studies, and engage with policymakers.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently examining the feasibility of repurposing the upper C-band spectrum, specifically between 3.98 and 4.2 gigahertz, predominantly utilized by satellite operators for TV service distribution within the United States.
In July, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act mandated that the FCC auction at least 100 megahertz of the upper C-band by July 2027 and a cumulative total of 300 megahertz overall by 2034.
The FCC has proposed reallocating between 100 megahertz and 180 megahertz of the upper C-band for terrestrial operators, following a framework reminiscent of the 2020 auction that generated over $80 billion as major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile vied for mid-band frequencies essential for 5G rollouts.
Approximately $13.4 billion from the proceeds was allocated to incumbent spectrum holders, mainly SES and Intelsat, facilitating their transition to the remaining 200 megahertz of C-band, along with the establishment of a 20-megahertz guard band to prevent interference.
SES, post its merger with Intelsat last year, controls a significant share of the upper C-band capacity in the U.S. In a regulatory filing dated January 20, SES expressed support for a comparable incentive-driven framework for the upper C-band.
However, it cautioned that clearing more than the mandated minimum of 100 megahertz would necessitate new hybrid Ku-band satellites with optimized beam designs to protect existing services.
The operator urged the FCC to preserve at least 40 megahertz of upper C-band for Fixed Satellite Services, emphasizing that “incumbents must continue to deliver meaningful service to clients reliant on the unique capabilities of the C-band.”
Enter SpaceX
SpaceX is currently leveraging cellular frequencies from partners like T-Mobile within the U.S. to facilitate messaging, calls, and various D2D services from space.
The company is undertaking a substantial investment exceeding $20 billion to acquire an assortment of mid-band cellular and S-band satellite spectrum aimed at significantly enhancing these services starting next year.
Upper C-band presents an additional avenue for further advancements in D2D functionality.
In its January 20 filing, SpaceX urged the FCC to earmark portions of the upper C-band for next-generation satellite services, asserting that terrestrial wireless networks risk interference to radio altimeters operating within adjacent frequencies if they utilize the upper ends of the band.
SpaceX’s recommendations to the FCC encompassed:
- Facilitating Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) across the C-band, which would enable satellites to augment terrestrial mobile networks utilizing the spectrum.
- Allowing secondary satellite utilization of C-band on a non-interference basis in locales devoid of terrestrial networks.
- Permitting satellite coverage to fulfill terrestrial buildout obligations, while reinforcing performance benchmarks to prevent spectrum warehousing.
- Considering future satellite utilization of vacated C-band uplink spectrum as legacy satellite systems undergo relocation.
“The Commission must no longer treat satellite service as an afterthought or an experimental venture,” contended SpaceX.
“Satellite coverage should be an integral component of the Commission’s planning in each terrestrial wireless band, ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable network connectivity while enabling U.S.-licensed satellite operators to compete effectively both domestically and internationally.”
“While the Commission may need to act expeditiously to meet its legislative deadlines for the auction of Upper C-band spectrum, this urgency must not hinder the establishment of a comprehensive strategy for satellite service within the band.”
SpaceX reports that its D2D service has proliferated to 22 countries since its U.S. launch in July, providing service to over 400 million individuals worldwide, with more than six million users engaging with the network each month.
Source link: Spacenews.com.
