The US Federal Communications Commission has authorized SpaceX to launch and operate up to 15,000 next-generation satellites for its Starlink Mobile system. The approval, granted on October 6, allows the company to provide mobile services without needing to lease spectrum from terrestrial carriers, enabling direct competition with traditional mobile networks.
The new satellites will operate at low altitudes between 326 and 335 km to reduce signal latency. SpaceX aims to increase connection speeds to 150 Mbps per user, which is a 40-fold improvement over the current 4 Mbps performance provided by the existing 650-satellite constellation currently operating in partnership with T-Mobile.
SpaceX secured access to spectrum ranges between 1695 and 2200 MHz through a deal with EchoStar, the parent company of Boost Mobile. The agreement, valued at approximately $17 billion, involves a transfer of frequency rights approved by the FCC in May, with the second phase of the transaction scheduled for completion on November 30, 2027.
The regulatory approval also permits the continued use of 1910–1915 MHz and 1990–1995 MHz bands. Additionally, SpaceX plans to deploy low-cost ground-based femtocells to boost capacity in urban and suburban areas. The company is also authorized to offer cellular services outside the United States, subject to local regulatory compliance.
The FCC denied certain requests, including the use of the 2020–2025 MHz band within the US and a broader range of 1429–2690 MHz for international operations. The project has faced opposition from other satellite operators concerned about radio interference and environmental groups worried about orbital congestion and impact on astronomical observations.
