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Satellite Internet

FCC clears SpaceX to launch 15,000 Starlink Mobile satellites in direct challenge to US carriers

The FCC's order DA 26-1078 grants SpaceX 15,000 next-generation satellites for Starlink Mobile — plus a waiver letting it sell wireless service without a terrestrial carrier partner.

By James Calloway · · 1 min read

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites arcs through the night sky above Vandenberg Space Force Base
U.S. Space Force photo by 2nd Lt. Andrew Taller (public domain)

The US Federal Communications Commission has granted SpaceX authority to launch and operate 15,000 next-generation satellites for Starlink Mobile, its direct-to-device service, in order DA 26-1078 adopted and released on 6 October 2026. The application was filed in September 2025.

The decision also includes a waiver of the rule requiring a spectrum-leasing agreement with a ground-based mobile operator, opening a regulatory path for SpaceX to sell wireless service using its own spectrum and compete directly with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.

SpaceX says the new constellation will deliver 5G speeds of up to 150Mbps per user, up from roughly 4Mbps on about 650 satellites serving T-Mobile’s US-only T-Satellite service. The new satellites will fly at just 326 to 335 kilometres above the Earth.

The grant covers EchoStar spectrum in the 1695 to 1710MHz, 1915 to 1920MHz, 1995 to 2000MHz, 2000 to 2020MHz and 2180 to 2200MHz bands, plus T-Mobile’s PCS G-block at 1910 to 1915MHz and 1990 to 1995MHz. Testing on the EchoStar frequencies is permitted only until Step Two of the SpaceX-EchoStar deal closes, scheduled for 30 November 2027.

The approval came despite objections from rival satellite operators and environmental groups. The FCC deferred decisions on SpaceX’s request for the 2020 to 2025MHz band in the US and the 1429 to 2690MHz range outside the US, saying the grant would increase competition in retail wireless services.

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