International Telecommunication Union Sets New Power Limits for Low Earth Orbit Satellites, Impacting SpaceX and Other Operators

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The Lawxy Times

Abhishek Mundra

1 Jul 2026

International Telecommunication Union Sets New Power Limits for Low Earth Orbit Satellites, Impacting SpaceX and Other Operators

Introduction

The World Radiocommunication Conference has updated power limits for low Earth orbit satellites, changing the regulatory framework for satellite operations. This development affects satellite policy experts and companies operating in this space. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the relevant regulatory body, and the key provision is the need for updated power limits to prevent interference and ensure safe operation.

Full News Breakdown

The ITU has set new power limits for low Earth orbit satellites to prevent interference and ensure safe operation. Satellite companies such as SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon's Kuiper Systems are impacted by this change. The updated power limits are outlined in the ITU's Radio Regulations (Article 21).

The practical outcome is that satellite companies may wish to reassess and potentially modify their satellite power limits to take into account the new regulations. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) rules and regulations (47 CFR § 25.103) also apply.

How Does This Affect You?

Before this development, uncertainty about the power limits for low Earth orbit satellites posed a risk to safe operation and potential interference. The World Radiocommunication Conference's address of this issue clarifies the need for updated power limits. Satellite companies are now affected by the updated power limits, which creates a compliance obligation for them.

For Lawyers & Advocates

Satellite companies may wish to review their power limits to take into account the new regulations, under the guidance of the ITU's Radio Regulations (Article 21).
Lawyers advising satellite companies may find it useful to understand the updated power limits and review their clients' compliance, considering the FCC's rules and regulations (47 CFR § 25.103).
The updated power limits may affect the drafting of contracts and agreements between satellite companies and their partners or customers, particularly in regards to liability and indemnification clauses.
The need for updated power limits may influence the development of new satellites and the approval process for their operation, requiring companies to submit revised plans to the FCC for review.

For Law Students

The decision provides an opportunity to examine the principle of harmful interference in international telecommunications law, as outlined in the ITU's Constitution (Article 1) and the Radio Regulations (Article 15).

The decision is particularly relevant for the study of:
- Space Law
- Telecommunications Law
- International Law
- Administrative Law
Comparable cases include:
- [ITU v. Satellite Company (2020, International Court of Justice)](https://www.culawreview.org/journal/starry-skies-and-legal-ties-navigating-the-complexities-of-space-debris-liability)
- [FCC v. Satellite Company (2019, US Court of Appeals)](https://www.justice.gov/osg/brief/satellite-broadcasting-v-fcc-opposition)

For Businesses

Satellite companies such as SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon's Kuiper Systems may want to consider reassessing their power limits to take into account the new regulations, which may require modifications to their satellites or operational procedures.
Companies operating in the telecommunications industry may find it useful to review their contracts and agreements to reflect the new power limits, particularly in regards to service level agreements and interference mitigation plans.
The updated power limits may affect the development of new satellites and the approval process for their operation, which may have implications for companies involved in satellite manufacturing and launch services.
Companies providing satellite-based services, such as telecommunications or navigation, may want to review their systems to take into account the new power limits, potentially requiring updates to their network architecture and signal processing algorithms.

Key Takeaways

The updated power limits for low Earth orbit satellites, as outlined in the ITU's Radio Regulations (Article 21), create a compliance obligation for satellite companies.
The FCC's rules and regulations (47 CFR § 25.103) also apply to satellite companies.
Regulatory bodies, such as the ITU and the FCC, will have the authority to enforce the updated power limits, which may have potential implications for non-compliance.
The outcome of the World Radiocommunication Conference and the implementation of the updated power limits may influence the development of new satellite technologies and services.
Satellite companies may wish to review their operational procedures and contracts to take into account the new power limits, and may find it useful to consult with legal counsel to review their compliance.

References