FCC News

Payload

Amazon files with the FCC to launch a direct-to-device LEO constellation of more than 5,000 satellites

Amazon has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission to operate a direct-to-device network in low Earth orbit, targeting a constellation sized at more than 5,000 satellites. The filing signals Amazon’s entry into the direct-to-device satellite communications race and escalates competitive pressure in LEO broadband.

The Air Current

Boeing, GE Aerospace join industry coalition to speed up FAA aircraft certification

Boeing, GE Aerospace and other major U.S. aviation manufacturers have formed an industry coalition working with the FAA to accelerate and modernize the aircraft certification process. Industry spokespeople say the effort is focused on streamlining certification timelines and updating how certification work is conducted.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

Amazon asks FCC approval for up to 5,105 direct-to-device satellites, leveraging Globalstar assets post-$11.6B acquisition

Amazon’s Project Leo filed with the US Federal Communications Commission to deploy a direct-to-device constellation of up to 5,105 satellites in five orbital shells (510–580 km) to provide voice and data to mobile phones. The plan anticipates construction of Globalstar’s next-generation constellation after Amazon’s planned $11.6B Globalstar purchase closes.

Space.com

FCC review limits and the enforcement gap in space law as private “sky-changing” projects advance

The cluster argues that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission can approve large-scale private space projects that may alter the night sky globally, while international space law lacks effective mechanisms to halt or remedy the resulting impacts.

AeroTime

FAA to mandate interference-tolerant radio altimeters for 5G environments following FCC C-band auction order

The FAA will require radio altimeters to meet interference-tolerant standards, aligning the equipment requirements with the FCC Upper C-band auction order adopted July 22, 2026. The move links aviation safety compliance to the spectrum rollout timeline associated with the auction order.

Reuters

FAA says major U.S. airlines must retrofit aircraft by end-2030 for wireless interference risks after spectrum auction

The FAA says a new wireless spectrum auction could create aircraft wireless interference, requiring major U.S. airlines to retrofit by the end of 2030. Carriers would be eligible for up to $2.2 billion in government rebates to offset retrofit costs, per FAA guidance released Friday.

Bloomberg

High activity

FCC clears more upper C-band for a 5G auction and overhauls satellite licensing with an “assembly line” approach

The FCC voted July 22 to approve another C-band auction next year, requiring satellite operators to clear 160 MHz of upper C-band spectrum, while also adopting sweeping reforms to space and earth-station licensing via a “licensing assembly line.” In parallel, the FAA will require radio altimeter upgrades ahead of expanded C-band wireless services starting in 2030.

Payload

FCC to consider allowing unlicensed devices to communicate directly with satellites

The FCC announced it will consider a proposal to permit unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with satellites, expanding beyond today’s licensed satellite-link ecosystem. The effort would broaden access to spectrum paths that can support direct-to-device connectivity using commonly available consumer radio capabilities.