SpaceX allowed to connect Starlink to vehicles — RT World News

SpaceX has been given the green light to begin connecting its Starlink orbital internet service to US-registered vehicles, including boats, planes and even RVs. Regulators dismissed objections to the program raised by the company’s rival companies.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its decision on Thursday, noting that SpaceX would be allowed to operate « unlimited Ku band » – frequencies widely used for satellite communications – « in United States territorial waters and on board United States-registered vessels in international waters around the world. »

« The authorization of a new class of terminals for SpaceX’s satellite system will expand the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing demands of users who now require connectivity on the go, » the FCC said, adding that the approval covers “ships, land vehicles and aircraft”.

While TV provider Dish tried to block clearance amid a fierce battle with SpaceX over its own use of 5G technology, the FCC said it dismissed the petition, suggesting responses from this latest company addressed all potential concerns.

SpaceX has opposed Dish’s 5G plans, releasing a review last month concluding that such networks could pose serious problems for Starlink internet users due to interference.

However, while Dish’s public policy chief, Jeffrey Blum, said the company was still reviewing the FCC’s new order, he observed that the agency had determined Starlink’s service for the vehicles. « must accept all interference from future 5G operations and that they must clearly disclose these limitations to their customers. »

SpaceX currently has some 2,700 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit, providing web services to hundreds of thousands of people, although CEO Musk has said he hopes to increase the total number of satellites to 42,000 in the coming decades. to significantly extend coverage.

You can share this story on social media:

Follow RT on