T-Mobile customers have reason to celebrate after a recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that could enhance their service capabilities. The FCC has updated the out-of-band emissions (OOBE) limits under Section 25.202(k)(1).
This adjustment establishes a uniform OOBE limit of -120 dBW/m2/MHz to reduce harmful interference to terrestrial networks. SpaceX, which is collaborating with T-Mobile to provide direct-to-cell services via its Starlink satellites, requested this relaxation of the power flux density (PFD) limit.
The company assured that the new limits would protect adjacent networks from interference while allowing T-Mobile to offer improved features, particularly crucial for first responders and customers in off-grid areas. Currently, T-Mobile’s direct-to-cell service is in beta, primarily allowing text messaging.
The increased PFD limit could facilitate more advanced features, including emergency 911 calls during critical situations. However, stricter compliance with the OOBE requirements could slow down network performance, resulting in delays in service quality.
On the other hand, T-Mobile and SpaceX’s competitors, including AT&T and Verizon, opposed the waiver. They argued that the existing limits adequately protected their services and claimed that SpaceX failed to demonstrate that the higher PFD would not disrupt their operations.
These companies feared that the relaxed limits could undermine the quality of their networks. Despite these concerns, the FCC granted a conditional waiver for the OOBE limit, allowing SpaceX to operate within specific frequency bands that are immediately adjacent to the PCS G Block.
This waiver is intended to serve the public interest while ensuring that terrestrial carrier operations remain protected. If interference issues arise, SpaceX must resolve them promptly to maintain its authorized operations.