EchoStar sells more spectrum to SpaceX for $2.6B. EchoStar sells 15 MHz of nationwide, unpaired AWS-3 uplink spectrum licenses to SpaceX. The spectrum would improve SpaceX’s direct-to-device (D2D) services in the US. EchoStar sold a larger block of spectrum to SpaceX in September for $17B in cash and stock; SpaceX will pay for the new spectrum in stock. EchoStar announced a new division Thursday called EchoStar Capital, which will hold its equity in SpaceX and be responsible for investing in complementary growth opportunities as an “asset-light” company. (Source: SpaceNews)

An FCC commissioner said declining American “soft power” could make it difficult to win support for key satellite spectrum priorities at international meetings. At the Economic Space Summit Thursday, Anna Gomez was concerned that moves like the elimination of USAID could affect American influence with other nations when it comes time to seek their support at the next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027. Much of the agenda is focused on satellite spectrum issues, and other countries could take advantage of any decline in American influence to block US priorities. (Source: SpaceNews)