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Satellite constellation operator Omnispace has expressed concerns to the FCC’s Space Bureau regarding the potential interference of SpaceX and T-Mobile’s planned hybrid space-terrestrial phone service. SpaceX aims to combine its Starlink satellite constellation with T-Mobile’s wireless network to provide connectivity across the US. However, Omnispace, which owns and operates global non-geostationary satellite infrastructure, fears that SpaceX’s satellites will create constant interference with its receive antenna system. Omnispace claims that SpaceX made errors in its calculations and that any interference would not be transient as SpaceX suggests.

Omnispace’s system relies on globally licensed spectrum in the S-Band and uses 5G non-terrestrial network technology to expand the reach of small handheld and IoT devices. In response to SpaceX’s presentation to the FCC, Omnispace submitted a counter-response, highlighting idiosyncrasies in uplink and downlink allocations. While these differences may not cause issues for terrestrial infrastructure, Omnispace argues that they generate acute problems for satellite infrastructure.

Omnispace also points out that SpaceX made a mistake in calculating the aggregate interference of SpaceX’s downlink into Omnispace’s satellite uplink. According to Omnispace, this error leads to the incorrect conclusion that the aggregate interference will be significantly below internal noise power. Furthermore, Omnispace stresses that the interference issues are continual and not transient due to the constant movement of Omnispace and SpaceX constellations in relation to each other.

Omnispace recently met with the FCC and presented slides supporting its claims. While Omnispace still needs to collaborate with SpaceX to deploy its satellites, the company has received US approval to deploy up to 7,500 Gen2 satellites. Omnispace’s Thales Alenia Space-designed satellites were previously launched on SpaceX’s rockets to non-geostationary orbit.

Both Omnispace and SpaceX await further discussions and resolution of the interference concerns with the FCC.

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