> At a Glance
> – The FCC authorized 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites, doubling SpaceX’s licensed fleet to 15,000
> – Direct-to-cell service approved for global markets, with U.S. coverage as “supplemental”
> – SpaceX must orbit 50% by December 2028 and the rest by December 2031
> – Why it matters: More bandwidth and global roaming could reshape rural and mobile internet access
SpaceX just locked in the largest satellite deployment license in U.S. history, securing spectrum rights across five frequencies and a path to blanket Earth with high-speed internet.
Approval Details
The FCC green-lit 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, deferring the remaining 14,988 spacecraft SpaceX originally requested. The new craft can operate on:
- Ku-band
- Ka-band
- V-band
- E-band
- Direct-to-cell bands
Launch Timetable
The commission set strict milestones:
| Milestone | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 50% of 7,500 satellites | December 1, 2028 |
| Remaining 50% | December 2031 |
Missing either deadline risks license forfeiture.
Global Connectivity Push
With the nod, Starlink can now offer direct-to-cell service outside the U.S. and add “supplemental coverage” within the country, letting phones connect without special hardware.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX doubles its licensed constellation to 15,000 satellites
- Direct-to-cell service goes global, aiding travelers and remote regions
- Firm launch deadlines aim to prevent spectrum hoarding
The authorization keeps SpaceX on track to tighten its grip on the satellite internet market while rivals await similar spectrum allocations.
