Starlink receives reported approval for 15,000 additional 2 GHz satellites
TechnologyUnverifiedUpdated:
An additional fifteen thousand Starlink Gen2 satellites optimized for the 2 GHz band reportedly received approval. A separate SpaceX plan to acquire US 800 MHz spectrum still requires FCC approval and other closing conditions.
Satellite additions approved while the spectrum deal awaits review
The Register reported that the US Federal Communications Commission approved Starlink's application to launch an additional 15,000 satellites optimized for 2 GHz spectrum. It also reported that SpaceX agreed to acquire a nationwide portfolio of up to 14 MHz of paired 800 MHz licenses from Grain Management; that transaction remains subject to FCC approval and customary closing conditions.
The report does not provide a comparable before-and-after measure of Starlink Mobile capacity, coverage, or deployment.
According to the report, the FCC approved 15,000 additional Starlink Gen2 satellites optimized for 2 GHz spectrum. Separately, SpaceX's proposed acquisition of up to 14 MHz of paired 800 MHz spectrum remains subject to FCC approval and other closing conditions.
The report describes two distinct elements of a possible satellite-terrestrial mobile network: added 2 GHz satellite capacity and proposed low-band spectrum intended for terrestrial infrastructure. The purchase and any resulting service deployment are not yet complete.
Sources
- The RegisterSpaceX to buy key spectrum that could help Starlink Mobile become major US cell carrierRead source →