FCC approves SpaceX plan for 15,000 direct-to-phone Starlink Mobile satellites
The FCC authorized SpaceX to deploy a 15,000-satellite constellation for direct-to-device service, while deferring some requests. SpaceX must launch half by October 2032 and the rest by October 2035.
The Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX's request to deploy 15,000 satellites for direct-to-device service in an October 6 decision, Via Satellite reported, while deferring some of SpaceX's other requests. The system, which SpaceX calls Starlink Mobile, is separate from its Starlink broadband constellation and uses spectrum acquired from EchoStar.
According to Light Reading, the order requires SpaceX to launch half of the authorized satellites by October 7, 2032, and the remainder by October 7, 2035. Objections had been filed by companies including Eutelsat, Viasat, DirecTV and SES.
Light Reading reports SpaceX is targeting user speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s for the next-generation V2 satellites, up from 4 Mbit/s on its current service of more than 650 direct-to-device satellites. Via Satellite reports SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said second-generation Starlink Mobile satellites should start flying next year.