The FCC moves toward a spectrum auction for satellite-to-phone service.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said it will vote on October 29 on whether to advance an auction of 25 megahertz of spectrum for direct-to-device services. It also proposes making another 482 megahertz available for supplemental coverage from space and updating rules for hybrid terrestrial and satellite networks.

Direct-to-device systems are intended to connect smartphones and other devices to satellites where terrestrial coverage is absent. SpaceX, Amazon's Leo and other operators are developing the technology; the FCC is also considering final rules for drone use within the 800 MHz cellular band.