August 30, 2025
Several satellite operators acknowledge an openness to revisiting EPFD limits in their recent comments to the FCC.

SES

  • “Epfd adjustments could be explored in the Ka-band”
  • “If the Commission is inclined to act unilaterally, then it should consider potential adjustments to the Ka-band epfd limits.” 
  • “[W]hen the Ka-band epfd limits are converted into I/N ratios, the results show that the upper Ka-band epfd downlink limits are more protective of GSO links than the ITU’s long-established, recommended I/N criteria for such links. As a result, Ka-band epfd limit adjustments might be possible without appreciable impact to existing GSO operations.”

EchoStar

  • “EchoStar supports the Commission’s fresh look at the current sharing framework, is willing to acknowledge that further technical analysis is necessary to evaluate the appropriateness of the current epfd limits, and uniquely understands the need to modernize the rules under which NGSOs operate while preserving sufficient protection from harmful interference for GSOs.”

Telesat

  • “The comments in this proceeding reflect broad support for revisiting the EPFD limits on NGSO systems in the Ku- and Ka-bands that were developed decades ago and were intended solely to protect GSO systems, without regard to the impact that overly restrictive limits have on NGSO systems.”

Related Resources

About EPFD Limits: The Outdated Regulations Governing Modern Satellite Systems

This explainer demonstrates how EPFD limits work and how these outdated regulations limit the potential of modern satellite systems.

Modernizing EPFD Limits: A Widely Embraced Approach Across the Satellite Ecosystem

In this one-pager, see the diverse stakeholders who support modernizing EPFD limits to improve broadband capacity, increase competition and lower consumer costs.

About the Alliance for Satellite Broadband

In this one-pager, learn more about the mission of the Alliance for Satellite Broadband.

SES

  • “Epfd adjustments could be explored in the Ka-band”
  • “If the Commission is inclined to act unilaterally, then it should consider potential adjustments to the Ka-band epfd limits.” 
  • “[W]hen the Ka-band epfd limits are converted into I/N ratios, the results show that the upper Ka-band epfd downlink limits are more protective of GSO links than the ITU’s long-established, recommended I/N criteria for such links. As a result, Ka-band epfd limit adjustments might be possible without appreciable impact to existing GSO operations.”

EchoStar

  • “EchoStar supports the Commission’s fresh look at the current sharing framework, is willing to acknowledge that further technical analysis is necessary to evaluate the appropriateness of the current epfd limits, and uniquely understands the need to modernize the rules under which NGSOs operate while preserving sufficient protection from harmful interference for GSOs.”

Telesat

  • “The comments in this proceeding reflect broad support for revisiting the EPFD limits on NGSO systems in the Ku- and Ka-bands that were developed decades ago and were intended solely to protect GSO systems, without regard to the impact that overly restrictive limits have on NGSO systems.”