TechFreedom Backs FCC Plan to Make Spectrum Abundant for ‘Weird Space Stuff’

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2026 – TechFreedom is applauding a new federal proposal to expand spectrum access for non-communications satellites.

The nonprofit think tank submitted comments Monday supporting the FCC’s proposed rulemaking on “Spectrum Abundance for Weird Space Stuff.” The initiative aims to address an acute shortage of airwaves available for telemetry, tracking, and command functions for the burgeoning commercial space industry.

James Dunstan , TechFreedom’s senior counsel, said the proposal recognizes the “exponentially growing” need for commercial spectrum that is not tied to traditional telecommunications.

“Thirty years ago, Congress granted the FCC auction authority that defined the highest and best use of spectrum as how much someone was willing to pay the government,” Dunstan said. “Today, the need for commercial spectrum for space operations is threatening to delay or destroy America’s commercial space industry.”

FCC’s proposal focuses on “emergent space operations,” which include spacecraft that use radio spectrum for control or data but do not act as communications satellites. To support these missions, the FCC is proposing a secondary allocation for the Space Operation Service in specific frequency bands.

The plan would also allow existing licensees to lease their spectrum to earth station licensees to support these emergent spacecraft.

TechFreedom praised the commission for limiting its scope to frequency management rather than attempting to regulate space operations directly.

“The FCC is a spectrum agency, not a space operations agency,” Dunstan said. “In a Goldilocks moment, the present NPRM is just right. The emphasis is on finding spectrum to fuel America’s breakout onto the High Frontier.”