FCC approves 15,000 SpaceX Starlink Mobile satellites that could compete directly with cellular carriers
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What just happened? SpaceX has secured FCC approval to launch and operate 15,000 satellites for Starlink Mobile, another major step in its effort to connect phones directly from orbit. The approval also makes it easier for the company to offer its own mobile service and compete with established carriers.
The FCC cleared the mobile application on October 6. The regulator also granted a waiver allowing SpaceX to offer satellite wireless services without entering into a spectrum-leasing agreement with a terrestrial mobile operator. That gives SpaceX a route to sell mobile connectivity using its own spectrum, potentially competing directly with AT&T, Verizon, and its current partner, T-Mobile.
The satellites are also cleared to use spectrum acquired from EchoStar, alongside frequencies from T-Mobile.
If the 15,000 figure sounds familiar, there's a good reason. In January,...
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