International regulators are poised to authorize technical studies on altering satellite transmission power limits, stipulating that no regulatory actions would result from these studies until at least 2031. This compromise comes after extensive discussions about reviewing Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits, a contentious matter in the space industry affecting the strength of non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite signals to prevent interference with geostationary spacecraft.
Newcomers to NGSO, such as SpaceX and Amazon, contend that EPFD rules are outdated, hampering their constellation plans more than necessary to safeguard satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). In contrast, GEO operators like Viasat and SES caution that altering the rules would destabilize the regulatory regime that has facilitated the growth of space businesses.
The proposal for reviewing EPFD limits was on the agenda at the WRC-23 conference in Dubai, a quadrennial event organized by the International Telecommunication Union. Advocates of the EPFD review aimed to initiate a four-year study process to propose regulatory changes at the next WRC-27 conference.
As per the regulatory text nearing final approval in the concluding stages of WRC-23, EPFD technical studies should be conducted and their results reported at WRC-27, without immediate regulatory consequences. This compromise provides additional time for geostationary players, such as Viasat, to safeguard their networks from potential interference.
While Amazon, a proponent of EPFD changes, was not immediately available for comment, Telesat, which operates a GEO constellation and plans an NGSO network named Lightspeed in 2026, sees the compromise as a positive development. According to Elisabeth Neasmith, Telesat’s senior director for regulatory issues, it “allows the technical studies that would have been necessary anyway” for proposing EPFD changes globally.
“Regulatory action could still be proposed for a subsequent WRC if the studies show this would make sense,” she added.