GoKawiilFCC approves 15,000 new SpaceX satellites for standalone Starlink Mobile service
The FCC approved SpaceX's application, filed in September 2025, to launch up to 15,000 satellites for a new Starlink Mobile system orbiting at 326-335 km. Regulators also waived the requirement that SpaceX lease spectrum from a terrestrial carrier, letting it use its own spectrum plus frequencies acquired from EchoStar and T-Mobile. This is separate from the 15,000-satellite Gen2 Starlink broadband constellation approved in January, bringing SpaceX's combined authorized satellites to 30,000.
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The spectrum waiver suggests SpaceX could eventually offer mobile service independent of carrier partnerships, positioning it as a potential rival to AT&T, Verizon and even its current partner T-Mobile. Expanded capacity and spectrum access could allow Starlink Mobile to move beyond basic texting toward voice calls and streaming, as suggested by KDDI's September agreement for a next-generation version of the service.
- FCC approved 15,000 satellites for a standalone Starlink Mobile system on October 6
- SpaceX received a waiver letting it use its own and acquired spectrum without a carrier-leasing deal
- Combined with Gen2 approval, SpaceX is now authorized for 30,000 satellites total
Starlink Mini Satellite Kit — If you're intrigued by SpaceX's expanding satellite network, the Starlink Mini lets you experience direct satellite connectivity today with its compact, portable design. It's a great way to get hands-on with the same technology ecosystem behind these new mobile satellite plans, perfect for travel, remote work, or backup internet.
See Starlink Mini Satellite Kit on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techspot.com — Rob Thubron, 2026-10-07
Published there as: “FCC approves 15,000 SpaceX Starlink Mobile satellites that could compete directly with cellular carriers”
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