SpaceX has received Starlink frequency approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to upgrade it with gigabit internet speeds. This approval allows the company to launch an additional 7,500 satellites, operate in lower orbits, and access more radio frequencies.  

The FCC’s decision is expected to improve both Starlink’s main internet service and its cellular system with T-Mobile in the U.S.  

SpaceX originally asked to launch over 22,000 satellites, but the FCC approved only part of the request. Still, the FCC expects the next-generation Starlink satellites to provide better coverage and symmetrical gigabit speeds.  

The FCC’s 34-page order doubles the satellite spectrum (authorized range of radio frequencies) available to Starlink’s second-generation satellites, from 7,500 to 15,000, following earlier clearance for the first-generation satellites. SpaceX is now permitted to operate up to 19,400 satellites in orbit.  

The order also lets SpaceX operate most satellites about 200 kilometers closer to Earth. This should help lower the frequency of delay in signal transmission. SpaceX can deploy up to 144 satellites in up to 72 planes (paths satellites follow in orbit) in each of the 340 km, 345 km, 350 km, 355 km, and 365 km orbital configurations (circular layers around the Earth where satellites orbit). It can also deploy up to 120 satellites in up to 56 planes in the 480 km and 485 km shells. Second-generation satellites can continue operating at the higher altitude of 500 km.  

SpaceX also received a limited-time waiver to run the Starlink network at higher power levels. This should improve speeds. The FCC is considering changes to its rules on the equivalent power flux density limit. For now, the commission says, while this rulemaking is ongoing, it is in the public interest to grant SpaceX’s request for a waiver to exceed the EPFD [equivalent power flux density] limits. This is due to the benefits SpaceX’s service provides to American consumers and the continued production of GSO (Geostationary) operators.  

The waiver only applies to Starlink operations in the U.S. and comes with certain restrictions. SpaceX must ensure its activities do not interfere with other geostationary satellite constellations, which are groups of satellites that orbit the Earth at the same speed as the planet’s rotation. So, they appear to be fixed to one spot. The waiver also depends on the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) adopting new rules for the EPFD (Equivalent power flux density) limits, which regulate the amount of radio signal that satellites can transmit to Earth.  

The regulator has approved many, but not all, of the radio frequency brands’ specific frequency ranges for data transmission. SpaceX wanted to use it to improve Starlink’s data download and upload speeds.  

The approval is significant for Starlink’s capacity. Analyst Tim Farrar expects the FCC order will boost the overloaded U.S. system.  

The peak capacity in high-demand areas could be as much as five times higher, provided enough satellites are launched to support it. He told PCMag in an email that it should enable considerable growth in the U.S. customer base, which is likely closing in on 3 million subscribers. Additionally, it will make it far less likely that Starlink experiences network congestion from high aircraft traffic near hubs, an area where Viasat claimed an advantage.  

In addition to capacity improvements, Farrar noted that the order allows SpaceX’s cellular Starlink system to use a 2 GHz section of the spectrum from EchoStar. However, the FCC’s orders only approve this frequency outside the U.S. The Commission is still reviewing the spectrum transfer and SpaceX’s plans to use it for a 15,000-satellite constellation.  

The clearance is a big win for SpaceX, especially since rival satellite companies have worried that a larger constellation could cause radio interference and block their access to lower orbits. In response, the FCC said it set conditions for the approval, requiring SpaceX to stop any harmful radio interference if it happens. The commission also said SpaceX’s efforts to reduce Starlink satellites’ brightness and work with astronomers continue to be sufficient to resolve concerns.  

De-Orbiting Satellites vs. The Human Environment.  

The FCC does not believe there’s enough evidence that retired Starlink satellites burning in the atmosphere harm the ozone layer.  

Scientists asked the FCC to investigate. The Commission says the scientific evidence at that time, confirmed by a Government Accountability Office review, showed uncertainty about possible effects. They said further study would be helpful. Three years later, petitioners have not presented any new information.  

The record still does not demonstrate that re-entering satellites may impact the human environment, the FCC added. We note that SpaceX has committed to working with the scientific community to develop methods to study the effects of re-entering satellites on the atmosphere. And we find that at this time, no additional review under NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act), US legislation governing environmental review, is necessary.  

With these regulatory developments, SpaceX is expected to use Friday’s decision to expand its regulatory scope for the next-generation V3 Starlink satellites, which are larger and more capable. The company plans to launch them with the Starship vehicle, a new rocket still under test. SpaceX expects to launch the first V-3 Starlink satellites later this year. Right now, Starlink typically offers download speeds of about 200 Mbps, according to the company.