SpaceX Wants Access to More Spectrum for Mobile Starlink Service
SpaceX is requesting that the FCC grant it even more radio spectrum for the company’s upcoming Starlink service for mobile users.
The company on Tuesday filed(Opens in a new window) for access to the 1.6GHz and 2.4GHz bands to power Starlink's mobile-satellite service, which is being designed to deliver internet access in cellular dead zones. When it first tipped plans for a mobile Starlink service in July, SpaceX only asked for access to the 2GHz band.
“By granting SpaceX access to [the additional] spectrum, the Commission can provide Americans with more options for mobile satellite services in otherwise unserved areas of the country, as well as other parts of the world, and ensure that consumers everywhere are able to fully harness the growth and development of IoT applications and devices,” the company said.
SpaceX plans on using(Opens in a new window) the 1.6GHz and 2GHz bands for uploading purposes while the 2.4GHz spectrum will be used for downlinking. This will allow Starlink to “support a range of mobile satellite services, enabling SpaceX to craft a compelling array of offerings to address the connectivity needs of Americans wherever they are and whatever they are doing,” the company said.
The added spectrum will also help the mobile Starlink service achieve latency rates under 50 milliseconds while increasing the system’s data capacity to deliver satellite internet.
The company added: “By ensuring every user has multiple satellites in view from any given point on the ground, SpaceX’s system will have flexibility to deliver robust service, even in a crowded spectrum environment.”
SpaceX also stresses it can operate in the radio bands without causing interference with other satellite operators. This includes
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