FCC Agrees SpaceX With 7,500 Satellites For Starlink's Global Internet Network

Thanks to the satellite network, Starlink is now able to present the internet in the furthest place. (photo: twitter @spacex)

JAKARTA - The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Thursday, November 1 that it approved SpaceX's offer to deploy up to 7,500 satellites, but postponed several other decisions.

Starlink from SpaceX, a rapidly growing internet network with more than 3,500 satellites in low-Earth orbit, has so far tens of thousands of users in the United States. Consumers pay at least $599 for user terminals and $110 per month for internet services. The FCC in 2018 approved SpaceX's plans to deploy up to 4,425 first-generation satellites.

SpaceX has also sought approval to operate a network of 29,988 satellites, known as the "second generation" or the constellation Starlink Gen2 to emit internet into areas with little or no internet access.

"Our actions will allow SpaceX to begin the deployment of Gen2 Starlink, which will bring next-generation satellite broadband to America nationwide," the FCC said in a letter of approval.

They added the approval would enable satellite broadband services around the world, which helps close the digital divide on a global scale.

The FCC said its decision would protect satellite and other terrestrial operators from malicious disturbances and protect a safe space environment and protect spectral and orbital resources for future use.

In August, the US appeals court upheld the FCC's 2021 decision to approve SpaceX's plans to deploy several Starlink satellites on Earth's lower orbit than planned as part of its push to offer space-based broadband internet.

In September, SpaceX challenged the FCC's decision to reject a rural broadband subsidy of $885.5 million. FCC chairman Jessica Rosenworcel said in August Starlink technology "has real promise" but it cannot meet program requirements, citing data showing a steady speed drop over the past year and making service prices too expensive for consumers.