For as strong as trendy cell networks are, dropped calls and misplaced sign are nonetheless very a lot a actuality for manner too many people. Lately, chipmakers like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung have all been working in the direction of a connectivity goal that would forestall dropped calls as soon as and for all: satellites. Now the FCC is getting concerned, and the group proposed a brand new regulatory framework at present that may enable wi-fi firms to make use of satellites to offer cell service in areas the place conventional networks may not be up for the problem.

The proposal suggests “a framework by which satellite tv for pc operators collaborating with terrestrial service suppliers would have the ability to acquire FCC Authorization to function house stations on sure at present licensed, versatile use spectrum allotted to terrestrial providers.”

Extra plainly, it is suggesting that some guidelines and pointers are put in place that may enable your cell provider to get FCC approval to work with a satellite tv for pc operator. Whereas your cellphone would usually connect with its conventional, terrestrial community, for those who ended up someplace the place no sign was out there it would change to a satellite tv for pc connection.

It would not simply be a free-for-all; the FCC would provide steering and guidelines on how and when that transition would happen. Your provider would additionally need to lease that satellite tv for pc motion for a particular space. The FCC recommended a couple of choices could be distant locations like the center of the Chihuahuan desert or the Unita mountains in Utah.

The idea is one we have been listening to about for some time now. Again in August Elon Musk hopped on stage with T-Cell CEO Mike Sievert to announce a partnership between SpaceX and the un-carrier. AST Spacemobile and Lynk have additionally introduced plans to offer satellite tv for pc cell protection. The FCC’s announcement is basically saying that there are going to be some guidelines on how that occurs, and it is engaged on figuring these out.

One problem it additionally has to unravel is how satellite tv for pc protection would work with giving a person entry to one thing like 911 or emergency alerts on providers — the FCC is at present searching for remark from events concerned about what which may appear to be.

Whereas there’s nonetheless an extended method to go, at present’s announcement additionally features a vote the place all of the commissioners in attendance accredited the discover of proposed rule making, with many issuing statements of their assist after the vote. Whereas we aren’t all manner there but, we’re one step nearer to a actuality with no extra dropped calls.