FCC greenlights Starlink service for cars, boats and planes

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If you’re ready to connect on the move, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband might be the answer . The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the internet provider to serve mobile vehicles, boats and aircraft. Tom Sullivan, director of the FCC International Bureau, wrote in the approval document that the new authorization should help SpaceX meet “the growing need for users to be connected on the move,” whether driving an RV across the country or a freighter from Europe to the U.S. port, or network on domestic and international flights. This new approval specifically authorizes SpaceX to operate consumer and enterprise Ku-band mobile earth stations (ESIMs) in the 12 GHz band. The FCC’s approval came with some conditions. First, SpaceX must accept that there may be interference from other current and future operators in the 12GHz band. SpaceX’s right to operate in this frequency band is unprotected, so it can only do so if other services interfere with SpaceX’s quality of service. The FCC also requires SpaceX to disclose to its customers that interference protection is unlikely to exist. The FCC granted SpaceX new powers despite objections from some other service providers. Satellite broadband providers Viasat, RS Access (a wireless network service powered by Michael Dell) and DISH have all opposed the mandate. 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 holds a Ku-band ESIM license.

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