The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Friday (January 9) that it has approved the application of SpaceX, allowing the company to deploy an additional 7,500 second-generation “Starlink” satellites to enhance internet services globally.
FCC stated that Elon Musk’s SpaceX can now operate an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total number of satellites operated by the company to 15,000 worldwide. FCC also permitted SpaceX to upgrade the satellites and operate them in five frequency bands, while waiving the previous requirements regarding preventing coverage overlap and increasing capacity.
The agency mentioned that these additional satellites will provide direct-to-cell connectivity communication services in regions outside the United States and complement the coverage in the US. This move supports the launch of next-generation mobile communication services, enabling internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) to become possible.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated, “This FCC authorization is a game-changer for enabling next-generation services. By approving the deployment of 15,000 new advanced satellites, FCC has given SpaceX the green light to provide unprecedented satellite broadband capacity, enhance competition, and help ensure no community is left behind.”
SpaceX had previously sought approval to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites, but FCC noted that only 15,000 have been approved so far.
According to FCC, “We believe that approving the deployment of more satellites, even as the upgraded version of the second-generation Starlink satellites has not been tested in orbit, is in the public interest. We’ve postponed the approval of the remaining 14,988 second-generation Starlink satellites, including those intended to operate at altitudes exceeding 600 kilometers.”
FCC specified that SpaceX must launch a maximum of 50% of the approved second-generation satellites by December 1, 2028, deploy them in designated orbits, and put them into operation. SpaceX is also required to launch the remaining satellites by December 2031. Additionally, SpaceX must complete the deployment of the 7,500 first-generation Starlink satellites by the end of November 2027.
Starlink, the company, announced last week that during 2026, it will reconfigure its satellite constellation, lowering all satellites that currently orbit at around 550 kilometers (342 miles) to 480 kilometers to enhance space safety.
The company reported in December last year that one of its satellites experienced an anomaly in space, producing “minor” debris and losing communication with the spacecraft at an altitude of 418 kilometers. This incident was rare for the satellite internet giant.
Through the Starlink network, SpaceX has become the world’s largest satellite operator. The network consists of approximately 9,400 satellites, providing broadband internet services to consumers, government, and enterprise customers.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters.)