FCC Approves Space X's Request to Launch NGSO Satellites For Broadband
The Federal Communications Commission today approved the requests of four companies—Space Exploration Holdings, LLC (SpaceX) seeking to roll-out new and expanded services using proposed non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellites.
These proposed satellite systems are expected to enable fixed satellite service in the United States, expanding global connectivity and advancing the goals of increasing high-speed broadband availability and competition in the marketplace.
The FCC granted SpaceX’s application with certain conditions, authorizing SpaceX to construct, deploy, and operate a new very-low-Earth orbit constellation of more than 7,000 satellites using V-band frequencies. The Commission also granted SpaceX’s request to add the 37.5-42.0 GHz, and 47.2-50.2 GHz frequency bands to its previously authorized NGSO constellation.
SpaceX is running the Starlink program, which aims to use satellites at a much lower orbit in order to improve internet connectivity on the ground, even in rural and remote places with little to no internet access.
In March, the FCC also approved SpaceX's plan to provide global satellite broadband services.
Besides Elon Musk's company, FCC has also granted requests for Kepler Communications, Telesat Canada and LeoSat MA to offer broadband services in the US.