Summary:
Other satellite operators, including Viasat, have raised objections to SpaceX’s plan for a 15,000-satellite constellation for its direct-to-cell service. Viasat warned that the expansion could limit competitors’ access to orbital and spectrum resources, increase interference risks, stifle competition and innovation, and ultimately harm the public interest.
Other satellite operators have raised concerns over SpaceX’s plan to deploy a new 15,000-satellite constellation to support its direct-to-cell service, signaling growing resistance within the industry to the proposed expansion.
In a petition to deny filed Tuesday, Viasat argued that expanding SpaceX’s operating authority would give the company greater ability and incentive to shut out competing operators from accessing limited orbital and spectrum resources on a competitive basis.
Viasat also warned that the proposed operations could create insurmountable interference risks for other spectrum users and their customers, restrict equitable access to scarce spectral and orbital resources, undermine competition and innovation, and ultimately harm the public interest.
