SpaceX SPCX 1.93%↑ has emerged as a high-profile supporter of NextNav’s NN -0.73%↓ proposal to reorganize the lower 900 MHz band for terrestrial 5G-based positioning, navigation and timing services, a move analysts say strengthens the company’s case at the Federal Communications Commission.

In an August filing, SpaceX urged the FCC to impose faster, technology-neutral buildout requirements on scarce low- and mid-band spectrum and specifically cited NextNav’s 900 MHz plan as an opportunity. Analysts noted the endorsement carries weight. “It is no small matter that SpaceX has implicitly endorsed the FCC action that NextNav is requesting,” MKI Global Partners said, adding that the support “should contribute to continued momentum for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.” B. Riley Securities called the backing significant given SpaceX’s resources and political influence, suggesting the company could become a leading candidate to put the spectrum to use.

NextNav wants to enable a ground-based 5G network that would complement and back up GPS while supporting broadband uses. The company argues the reorganized band could deliver national security, public safety and economic benefits at no cost to taxpayers. SpaceX’s interest appears tied to its own terrestrial and direct-to-device ambitions, which would benefit from low-band spectrum’s strong propagation characteristics.

The proposal continues to face strong opposition from existing users of the lower 900 MHz band. RFID equipment makers, security and alarm system providers, utilities and other Part 15 device operators have argued that higher-power 5G operations could cause harmful interference and force costly equipment changes. NextNav has submitted technical studies and conducted real-world demonstrations claiming coexistence is feasible, but critics maintain the testing is inadequate and the risks remain significant.

The FCC has advanced a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on PNT technologies into interagency review, including examination by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Timing for any formal NPRM or eventual Report and Order remains uncertain. Some analysts view this fall as a possible window for progress on the NPRM, though a final decision is expected to take considerably longer and is not guaranteed.