In a significant regulatory move aimed at expanding global broadband access, the U.S. communications regulator has approved SpaceX’s request to deploy more second-generation Starlink satellites, strengthening its growing satellite internet network.
The Federal Communications Commission said on Friday it has authorised SpaceX to operate an additional 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites. This brings the approved total to 15,000 satellites worldwide. The decision also allows the company to upgrade its satellites, operate across 5 frequency bands, and remove earlier restrictions that limited overlapping coverage and network capacity.
According to the regulator, the newly approved satellites will support direct-to-cell connectivity outside the U.S. and provide supplemental coverage within the country. This is expected to enable next-generation mobile services and deliver internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
“This FCC authorization is a game-changer for enabling next-generation services,” FCC Chair Brendan Carr said. “By authorizing 15,000 new and advanced satellites, the FCC has given SpaceX the green light to deliver unprecedented satellite broadband capabilities, strengthen competition, and help ensure that no community is left behind.”
SpaceX had sought approval for nearly 30,000 satellites. However, the regulator said it is, for now, approving only 15,000. “We find that authorization for additional satellites is in the public interest, even as the Gen2 Starlink Upgrade satellites remain untested on orbit. We defer authorization of the remaining 14,988 proposed Gen2 Starlink satellites, including satellites proposed for operations above 600 km,” the agency said.
Under the approval terms, SpaceX must deploy and operate 50% of the authorised Gen2 satellites by December 1, 2028, and launch the remainder by December 2031. The company must also complete deployment of 7,500 first-generation satellites by late November 2027.
Last week, Starlink said it will begin lowering satellites orbiting at around 550 km to 480 km through 2026 to improve space safety. In December, the company reported a rare in-orbit anomaly that created a small amount of debris and disrupted communications with one satellite at 418 km.
Starlink now operates about 9,400 satellites, making SpaceX the world’s largest satellite operator. In 2024, former FCC chief Jessica Rosenworcel called for greater competition, noting that Starlink controlled nearly 2/3 of all active satellites.
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