In a landmark decision set to reshape global internet access, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted SpaceX permission to significantly expand its Starlink satellite constellation. This move paves the way for enhanced broadband and mobile connectivity across the world, including India.
What the FCC Authorisation Means for Starlink
The regulatory body has approved SpaceX's request to deploy 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites. This authorisation effectively doubles the total number of permitted satellites for the company to 15,000. A key aspect of this approval is the permission for SpaceX to operate across five different frequencies, a technical upgrade designed to dramatically increase network capacity and coverage area.
According to the FCC's order, this expanded constellation is engineered to support direct-to-cell connectivity and deliver internet speeds reaching up to 1 gigabit per second. The agency stated that the new hardware will facilitate mobile services outside the United States while also providing supplemental coverage within the country. Notably, the FCC relaxed earlier rules that limited overlapping satellite coverage, a change expected to result in more reliable service for end-users.
FCC Chairman's Vision and Deployment Deadlines
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hailed the decision as transformative. In a statement, he said, "This FCC authorisation is a game-changer for enabling next-generation services. By authorising 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."
However, the approval comes with strict deployment timelines. The FCC has mandated that SpaceX must:
- Launch 50% of the approved second-generation satellites, place them in their assigned orbits, and operate them by December 1, 2028.
- Launch the remaining satellites by December 2031.
- Complete the deployment of all 7,500 first-generation Starlink satellites into orbit by late November 2027.
It is important to note that SpaceX had initially applied for permission to deploy close to 30,000 satellites. The FCC has currently approved only half that number, deferring a decision on the remaining 14,988 proposed satellites, including those intended for operations above 600 km altitude.
Enhancing Space Safety and Starlink's Market Position
In a related development focused on space safety, Starlink announced last week that it will begin moving its existing satellites to lower orbits starting in 2026. Satellites currently orbiting at approximately 550 km will be lowered to around 480 km. This proactive measure is intended to mitigate space debris risks.
The issue of space safety gained attention recently when Starlink reported a rare incident in December where one of its satellites experienced a problem, creating a small amount of debris after communication was lost at an altitude of 418 km.
With this expansion, SpaceX solidifies its position as the world's largest satellite operator. Its Starlink network, which already consists of about 9,400 satellites providing broadband to consumers, governments, and businesses globally, is poised for a major capacity leap. The move comes amid calls for more competition in the sector, with former FCC head Jessica Rosenworcel noting earlier that Starlink commanded almost two-thirds of all operational satellites.
For a country like India, with its vast rural and remote areas, this expansion could signal a future with more robust and high-speed satellite internet options, potentially bridging the digital divide and offering new connectivity solutions for enterprises and individuals alike.
