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Saved February 14, 2026
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The FCC has partially approved SpaceX's plan to enhance Starlink with gigabit internet speeds, allowing the launch of 7,500 additional satellites and operation at lower altitudes. This decision aims to improve network capacity and reduce latency for users, although it falls short of SpaceX's original request for more satellites.
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SpaceX gained partial approval from the FCC to upgrade Starlink, allowing it to launch 7,500 additional satellites and operate them at lower orbits. This decision could significantly enhance the service's capacity and speed, enabling gigabit internet for users. Although SpaceX had initially aimed for over 22,000 satellites, the FCC's approval includes a cap of 15,000 for the second-generation constellation. This brings the total number of satellites SpaceX can operate to 19,400. Lowering the satellites' altitude should also reduce latency, improving overall performance.
The FCC granted SpaceX a time-limited waiver to operate at higher power levels, which could further boost speeds. However, this waiver only applies within the US and comes with conditions to prevent interference with other satellite systems. The FCC also approved various radio frequencies for Starlink, though not all requested bands were granted. Analysts believe this order could increase Starlink's network capacity by five times in high-demand areas, making it easier for SpaceX to expand its subscriber base, which is nearing 3 million.
On the environmental side, the FCC dismissed concerns about retired satellites affecting the ozone layer, citing a lack of new evidence. SpaceX plans to use this approval to launch its next-generation V3 satellites, which promise greater capacity. These launches will occur aboard the Starship, still in testing, with the first V3 satellites expected later this year. Currently, Starlink's download speeds average around 200 Mbps, but this upgrade aims to significantly improve that rate.
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