FCC clears SpaceX to launch 15,000 satellites for phone service
The Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX's plan for 15,000 new satellites that send service straight to ordinary phones, PCMag and Light Reading reported. That could bring faster coverage to dead zones and help SpaceX compete with big carriers. SpaceX targets speeds up to 150 megabits per second per user, versus about 4 today.
SpaceX has won approval to build a much bigger network that connects satellites directly to phones. The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday approved its plan for 15,000 next-generation satellites for Starlink Mobile, PCMag reported.
Today's Starlink Mobile service runs on about 650 satellites. In the U.S., it is sold through T-Mobile as T-Satellite, with speeds of about 4 megabits per second, enough for texts and light data. The new satellites aim for up to 150 megabits per second per user, which SpaceX compares to 5G speeds, Light Reading reported.
The FCC also granted a key waiver. SpaceX can offer wireless service by satellite without first leasing airwaves from a ground-based carrier. "SpaceX's planned deployments will reshape spectrum-based connectivity by improving competition," the FCC said.
That could set SpaceX up to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, PCMag reported. SpaceX also plans small ground devices to boost coverage in suburbs and cities.
There are deadlines. SpaceX must launch half the satellites by Oct. 7, 2032, and the rest by Oct. 7, 2035. The satellites will fly in nine orbital layers about 202 to 208 miles up. They are large and need SpaceX's Starship rocket, which first reached orbit on a Sept. 28 test flight. Launches are slated to begin in 2027, SpaceNews reported.
Rivals objected. Eutelsat, Viasat, DirecTV and SES opposed the plan, and environmental groups raised concerns about radio interference and light pollution. The FCC put off some of SpaceX's other requests for more airwaves.
The big carriers are not rushing to sign on. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon formed their own satellite joint venture last week, and all three have said they will not let SpaceX resell their networks, Light Reading reported. T-Mobile's CEO said satellite use is just 0.0002% of its network traffic.
More is coming. The FCC said on Wednesday it will vote Oct. 29 on a plan to make another 482 megahertz of airwaves available for satellite-to-phone service. "The rules need a major refresh," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said.
What we know: The FCC approved 15,000 SpaceX phone satellites with set deadlines.
What we don't: Whether Starship can launch them on time and which carriers will partner with SpaceX.
Where outlets agree PCMag and Light Reading both report FCC approval for 15,000 SpaceX direct-to-phone satellites aiming for up to 150 megabits per second, up from about 4.
Where they differ The FCC says the plan will boost competition, but the three big carriers have refused to sign resale deals with SpaceX and formed their own satellite venture.