FCC Approves 15,000 Satellites for SpaceX
The waiver lets SpaceX offer satellite-to-phone service without a ground carrier lease as it targets 5G-like speeds and broader U.S. coverage.
- On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission cleared SpaceX's request for a 15,000 satellite constellation, stating the deployment aims to "reshape spectrum-based connectivity" by improving competition.
- The upcoming constellation promises 5G speeds at 150Mbps per user, a major upgrade from the current Starlink Mobile service that relies on around 650 satellites with data speeds estimated at 4Mbps.
- SpaceX will use radio spectrum acquired from EchoStar and T-Mobile's "PCS G-block" spectrum in the 1910-1915 MHz and 1990-1995 MHz bands for the satellites' cellular connectivity.
- Conditions on the approval restrict the use of EchoStar radio frequencies "until Step Two of the SpaceX-EchoStar transaction is consummated," scheduled for November 30th, 2027.
- The FCC issued a waiver allowing SpaceX to offer wireless services without a ground-based mobile leasing agreement, clearing the proposal despite opposition from rival providers and environmental groups.
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TV Tech Industry NewsFCC approves 15,000 satellites for SpaceX
The FCC has granted SpaceX the authority to launch a 15,000 satellite Direct-To-Device (D2D) satellite constellation. The satellites will operate between 326-335km meaning a far higher burn rate because they would be relatively closer to the Earth and affected by the planet’s thin, but present, atmosphere. This suggests that SpaceX’s longer-term CapEx cycle would be […]
FCC Green Lights SpaceX's 15,000 Satellites for Starlink Mobile
The FCC's grant is crucial to SpaceX's effort to turn Starlink Mobile into a potential rival to the big three carriers. The 15,000 satellites have been also cleared to use the acquired EchoStar radio spectrum, and also frequencies from T-Mobile.
FCC Approves 15,000-Satellite Direct-to-Device Constellation
Federal regulators have authorized SpaceX to deploy and operate a constellation of 15,000 non-geostationary satellites. The system will provide direct-to-device service to ordinary mobile phones in the United States and abroad.The FCC’s Space Bureau and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau adopted and released the Authorization and Order on Tuesday. The order grants the application in part and defers it in part. It was signed by Jennifer Gilsenan,…
SpaceX gets green light for 15,000 mobile satellites – Musk promises over 100 times more capacity.
FCC Grants SpaceX Approval for 15,000-Satellite Very Low Earth Orbit Direct-to-Device Constellation – SatNews
On October 7, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted regulatory approval to SpaceX to launch and operate a 15,000-satellite Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) constellation dedicated to direct-to-device (D2D) […]
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