SpaceX Seeks FCC Approval for Starlink Upgrades to Deliver Gigabit Broadband Speeds

SpaceX is seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement changes to its Starlink satellite network, with the goal of providing gigabit-per-second broadband speeds. In an application submitted on October 11, 2024, SpaceX outlined several proposed modifications to its second-generation (Gen2) satellite system, which it claims will enable the delivery of high-speed, low-latency broadband to users across the globe, including underserved areas.
The requested changes are designed to improve space sustainability, increase spectrum-sharing efficiency, and better meet growing global demand for broadband services. SpaceX hopes that by modifying its Gen2 system, it will be able to enhance connectivity and support both fixed and mobile broadband services for consumers, businesses, and governments.

Lower Altitudes and Expanded Coverage
One of the key updates SpaceX is requesting involves lowering the orbital altitudes of some of its satellites. Currently, satellites operate at altitudes between 525 and 535 kilometers, but the company seeks to lower these to altitudes between 475 and 485 kilometers. This adjustment would increase the number of orbital planes and satellites per plane, all while maintaining the total number of Gen2 satellites at 29,988 or fewer. The FCC has already approved 7,500 Gen2 satellites as part of this rollout.
Lowering satellite altitudes is expected to reduce latency, a critical factor in delivering faster internet speeds. According to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the next generation of Starlink satellites—so large that only the company's Starship rocket can launch them—will allow for a 10-fold increase in bandwidth, with faster latency due to the reduced altitude. This change is vital for meeting SpaceX’s ambitious promise of gigabit speeds, which dates back to 2016.

Improving Satellite Angles and Network Performance
Another key component of SpaceX's plan involves adjusting the elevation angles of its satellites to improve overall network performance. Specifically, SpaceX is asking to lower its minimum elevation angle from 25 degrees to 20 degrees for satellites operating between 400 and 500 kilometers in altitude. This would allow satellites to maintain connections with earth stations for a longer period as they pass overhead, enhancing user connectivity.
SpaceX also plans to equip its Gen2 satellites with enhanced hardware, including more advanced beamforming and digital processing technologies. These upgrades will allow the satellites to deliver more robust and targeted coverage, particularly for American consumers in both urban and rural areas.

Expanding Spectrum Flexibility
To further support its ambitious broadband goals, SpaceX is seeking greater flexibility in how it uses spectrum licenses. The company wants permission to use Ka-, V-, and E-band frequencies for both fixed-satellite and mobile-satellite services, depending on the needs of users. This dual-use approach would allow SpaceX to offer a broader range of connectivity solutions without requiring additional technical adjustments to its satellites.
"These small modifications…would permit significant additional flexibility to meet the diverse connectivity and capacity needs of consumer, enterprise, industrial, and government users," SpaceX said in its FCC filing.
The company also submitted an amendment to a pending portion of its Gen2 application, requesting further upgrades to its satellite system, including modifications to orbital shells below 400 kilometers and the use of additional frequencies.

Overcoming FCC Skepticism and Industry Pushback
While SpaceX is optimistic about the potential of its Gen2 Starlink system, it remains unclear whether the FCC will approve all of its requests. In recent years, the commission has expressed skepticism about Starlink’s ability to consistently deliver on its speed and latency promises. In 2022, the FCC denied SpaceX’s application for $886 million in federal funding, citing concerns that the system may not be able to provide the required download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps on a consistent basis.
The FCC has also been cautious about granting spectrum waivers that could impact other satellite operators and mobile carriers. AT&T and Verizon, for example, have opposed SpaceX’s plans to offer cellular service in partnership with T-Mobile, arguing that the proposed spectrum changes could interfere with their terrestrial mobile networks. In March 2024, the FCC rejected SpaceX’s application to use certain spectrum bands for mobile service, forcing the company to seek approval through a rulemaking process.
Despite these setbacks, SpaceX continues to push forward with its vision for global broadband coverage. The company argues that the proposed changes to its satellite system will address many of the capacity and performance issues raised by the FCC in previous rulings.

A Step Toward Gigabit Broadband for All
SpaceX's proposed modifications to its Starlink satellite system represent a significant step toward fulfilling the company's long-standing promise of delivering gigabit-speed, low-latency broadband to users worldwide. By lowering satellite altitudes, improving network performance, and expanding spectrum flexibility, SpaceX aims to overcome some of the technical limitations that have previously hindered its system.
However, the path to approval may still face challenges, as competitors and the FCC scrutinize whether these changes will negatively impact other spectrum users. Should SpaceX succeed in securing approval, its Gen2 satellites could revolutionize broadband access for millions of people, bringing gigabit speeds and seamless connectivity to both rural and urban communities across the globe.