If you’re ready for connectivity on the go, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband could soon be the answer. US Federal Communications Commission on Thursday gave the green light to the internet provider to provide services on vehicles, ships and aircraft.
The new agency will help SpaceX meet the “growing needs of users who currently require connectivity on the go,” Tom Sullivan, the FCC’s international bureau chief, wrote in the approval, “whether driving a vehicle,” wrote Tom Sullivan, head of the FCC’s international office. Cross-country RVs, moving freight from Europe to US ports, or while on a domestic or international flight.”
This early year, Starlink starts selling Starlink to RVbut this service isn’t designed to work on the go – it’s intended for users traveling to areas with slow speeds or no broadband alternatives.
The new approval specifically grants SpaceX the authority to operate consumer and enterprise Ku-band Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) in the 12 GHz band. However, the FCC approved it with some conditions.
First, SpaceX must accept that there may be interference from current and future operators in the 12 GHz band. SpaceX’s rights to operate in the ice are not protected, so if other services affect SpaceX’s quality of service then that’s simply too bad. The FCC is also requiring SpaceX to disclose to its customers that there is no expectation of interference protection.
The FCC has granted SpaceX new powers over objections from a handful of other service providers. Satellite broadband provider Viasat, RS Access (a wireless network service backed by Michael Dell) and DISH have all petitioned against it. DISH and RS Access already operate in the 12 GHz band, while Viasat is a Ku-band equipment manufacturer, Ku-band satellite connectivity provider and Ku-band ESIM licensee.
Meanwhile, SpaceX is in a separate, broader regulatory struggle with DISH and RS Access over whether the 12 GHz band is available for both terrestrial and space-based services. The FCC has yet to issue a ruling on that matter.
