US approves SpaceX to deploy up to 7,500 satellites

SpaceX’s Starlink, a fast-growing network of more than 3,500 satellites in low Earth orbit, has tens of thousands of users in the United States to date. Consumers must pay at least $599 for the user terminal and $110/month for Starlink’s service.

In 2018, the FCC approved SpaceX’s plan to deploy up to 4,425 first-generation satellites.

According to Reuters news agency, SpaceX has been seeking approval to operate a network of 29,988 satellites, called “Gen2 Starlink – second-generation constellations” to transmit the network to areas with little or no space. have Internet access.

“Our decision will allow SpaceX to begin deployment of Gen2 Starlink, bringing next-generation satellite broadband to all Americans,” the FCC said in its approval order.

In addition, the agency announced it “will enable worldwide satellite broadband service, helping to bridge the digital divide on a global scale”.

The FCC said its decision “will protect other terrestrial and satellite operators from harmful interference, while maintaining a safe space environment” and protecting “orbital resources to future use”.