FCC Could Revoke EchoStar’s AWS-4 Licenses Amid SpaceX Spectrum Issue
Regulatory Clash Over Underutilized Spectrum
On May 9, 2025, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr formally notified EchoStar Chairman Charles Ergen that the agency has opened a compliance review of EchoStar’s AWS-4 (2 GHz) and adjacent bands. In a letter made public via an SEC filing, Carr warned that EchoStar may forfeit licenses covering 2000–2020 MHz and 2180–2200 MHz if it cannot demonstrate timely buildout of its nationwide 5G network per 2019 commitments.
- Buildout obligation: ≥ 70 percent population coverage for AWS-4 and 700 MHz by June 14, 2025
- Buildout obligation: ≥ 75 percent coverage for H-block (1915–1920/1995–2000 MHz) and 600 MHz by the same date
- Penalty: License revocation or financial forfeiture for missed milestones
SpaceX’s Measurement and Technical Findings
Competing for the same mid-band spectrum, SpaceX submitted independent drive-and-satellite measurements to the FCC. Using a Starlink satellite equipped with a high-resolution spectrum analyzer, SpaceX reported power spectral density (PSD) readings below –140 dBm/Hz across key AWS-4 sub-bands—levels industry experts classify as “de minimis” usage for terrestrial 5G.
SpaceX’s petition argues that under section 25.253 of the FCC’s rules, such low PSD implies EchoStar’s spectrum remains “ripe for sharing” with next-generation mobile satellite service (MSS) providers, first responder networks, and emerging LEO constellations. In a technical appendix, SpaceX proposed:
- Dynamic frequency sharing with geo-satellite and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) systems
- Time-division duplexing (TDD) guard bands to protect adjacent AWS-1 and AWS-3 operators
- PSD masks tightened to –120 dBm/Hz for any terrestrial base station within 50 km of a licensed MSS gateway
EchoStar’s Defense and Buildout Milestones
EchoStar counters that it has invested over $20 billion deploying an Open RAN-based 5G network with more than 24,000 active sites, covering over 268 million Americans. In its FCC filings, EchoStar asserts:
- Independent drive tests by the FCC’s Measurement and Innovation Division confirmed ≥ 80 percent population coverage in AWS-4 markets.
- Active capacity utilization exceeds 150 MHz aggregated mid-band throughput under dynamic carrier aggregation (CA) with 4×4 MIMO on 2.4 GHz.
- Backhaul provisioning uses a mix of millimeter-wave (37–39 GHz) point-to-point links and fiber to handle peak cell-site loads of up to 2 Gbps.
Technical Analysis of AWS-4 Band Utilization
The AWS-4 allocation originally served Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) in the early 2000s but was repurposed for terrestrial 5G in 2012. Key characteristics include:
- Duplex spacing: 180 MHz (downlink 2180–2200 MHz, uplink 2000–2020 MHz)
- Channel size: Up to 20 MHz × 2 in TDD mode, or paired FDD up to 15 MHz each
- Propagation: Mid-band range balances coverage (~1 km urban, ~5 km rural) and building penetration (~50 percent indoor signal strength)
Expert RF engineers note that underutilization in rural areas can occur if carriers focus deployments on high-density urban clusters to maximize return on investment. A frequency reuse plan with at least 3×3 cell clusters and selective macro-small cell overlay can achieve the FCC’s milestones while preserving MSS guardbands.
Implications for the Satellite Broadband Ecosystem
If the FCC reclaims AWS-4 licenses, it could reauction spectrum to satellite providers such as Viasat, Inmarsat, or emerging NGSO operators. Industry analysts predict:
- Greater MSS throughput via ground gateways sharing mid-band with terrestrial 5G through coordinated dynamic spectrum access (DSA).
- Enhanced public safety and first-responder networks using dedicated MSS channels in 2 GHz for resilient disaster coverage.
- Incentive auctions to fund rural broadband via a portion of AWS-4 reallocated for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS-style) general access tiers.
Future Regulatory and Market Outlook
The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Space Bureau have opened separate public comment dockets, with initial comments due May 27, 2025, and replies by June 6. Potential outcomes include:
- Reinstatement of stricter June 2025 buildout deadlines with accelerated milestone reporting.
- Partial license forfeiture allowing pro-rata auctions for remaining blocks.
- New rules for MSS-terrestrial sharing requiring dynamic frequency selection (DFS) and geolocation databases.
Beyond regulatory action, major carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile are watching closely. Both have indicated interest in bulk AWS-4 acquisitions if spectrum becomes available, potentially intensifying the U.S. mid-band 5G race and shaping next-generation network competitiveness.
Expert Opinions
“The AWS-4 band represents a critical sweet spot for 5G—balancing capacity and coverage,” says Dr. Nina Patel, former FCC wireless engineer and current CTO at SpectrumWave Consulting. “Proper utilization requires both robust terrestrial rollouts and efficient MSS sharing frameworks. The FCC’s decision will set a pivotal precedent for mid-band policy globally.”