"SpaceX has been leasing 10 MHz of spectrum from T-Mobile to provide supplemental service in the US. Starlink is separately planning to launch yet another 15,000 satellites that are designed for mobile service. SpaceX asked the FCC to approve this plan in September 2025, saying the "new system will offer a new generation of MSS connectivity, supporting voice, texting, and high-speed data.""
"Starlink requests for FCC authorization often face opposition from other satellite firms, and the application for 15,000 more satellites is no exception. Viasat filed a petition to deny the application on Monday this week. "This proposed expansion of SpaceX's operating authority would give it an even greater ability and incentive to foreclose other operators from accessing and using limited orbital and spectrum resources on a competitive basis,""
T-Mobile uses Starlink in the US and Starlink maintains partnerships with carriers overseas. The FCC authorized Starlink to provide both fixed and mobile service from all 15,000 second-generation satellites. SpaceX acquired 50 MHz of mobile spectrum from EchoStar for $17 billion and has been leasing 10 MHz from T-Mobile. SpaceX seeks approval to launch another 15,000 satellites aimed at mobile MSS offering voice, texting, and high-speed data. Multiple satellite operators, including Viasat and Globalstar, filed petitions to deny, citing interference risks, spectrum and orbital resource competition, and potential harm to competitors. FCC leadership has shown supportive statements toward SpaceX.
Read at Ars Technica
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