T-Mobile is using Starlink in the US, and the satellite operator has partnerships with carriers overseas. With today’s FCC authorization, Starlink will be able to provide both fixed and mobile service from all 15,000 second-generation satellites.
SpaceX wants to launch one more 15,000 satellites
SpaceX also recently signed a $17 billion deal to buy spectrum licenses from EchoStar, which will give it 50 MHz of mobile spectrum and reduce its dependence on cellular carriers. SpaceX is leasing 10 MHz of spectrum from T-Mobile to provide supplemental service in the US.
Starlink separately plans to launch another 15,000 satellites that are designed for mobile service. SpaceX asked the FCC to approve the plan in September 2025, saying “the new system will offer a new generation of MSS connectivity, supporting voice, texting and high-speed data.”
Starlink requests for FCC authorization often face opposition from other satellite firms, and the application for more than 15,000 satellites is no exception. Viasat filed a motion to deny the application on Monday this week.
ViaSat told the FCC, “This proposed extension of SpaceX’s operating authority would provide even greater ability and incentive to prevent other operators from accessing and using limited orbital and spectrum resources on a competitive basis.” “At the same time, the proposed operations would create insurmountable interference risks to other spectrum users and the customers they serve, prevent other operators from accessing and using scarce spectral and orbital resources on an equal basis, weaken and stifle competition and innovation, and otherwise harm the public.”
Globalstar also filed a petition to deny and several other satellite operators objected. However, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has generally been supportive of SpaceX and Elon Musk. Carr alleged that the Biden administration targeted Musk’s companies for “regulatory harassment” and that in his current role as chairman, Carr pressured EchoStar to sell spectrum licenses, which SpaceX is now buying.
In today’s press release announcing the latest authorization, Carr said that “The FCC has given the green light to SpaceX to deliver unprecedented satellite broadband capabilities, strengthening competition and helping ensure no community is left behind.”
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