- The FCC has relaxed restrictions on low-orbit satellites.
- The capacity of Internet satellites will be multiplied by seven
- The measure is welcomed by SpaceX and Amazon.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has delivered good news to Elon Musk’s Starlink and other satellite Internet providers, removing several key restrictions on the amount of power satellites can transmit and receive from ground stations.
Technically, these are the equivalent power flux density (EPFD) rules established in the 1990s, as PC Mag reports. In simple terms, it means that Starlink and others will be able to operate a much denser range of satellites to serve customers.
We’re talking about an up to seven-fold increase in satellite network capacity, which should mean a more reliable and faster connection. However, it will take some time before satellite companies can take advantage of this situation.
Article continues below.
“This is an important step toward improving the satellite broadband experience for millions of Americans by enabling faster speeds, lower costs, and greater reliability,” the FCC says. “This change could also unlock more than $2 billion in economic benefits for the American people and up to seven times more capacity for space broadband services.”
Shared spectrum
@BrendanCarrFCC @FCC rule change for next-generation satellite systems will provide help to those who need it most. Exactly. Enormous! 📡🛜April 30, 2026
The rules were introduced to prevent radio signal interference between satellites in non-geostationary orbit (NGSO), also known as low Earth orbit, from affecting geostationary satellites (GSO) in higher orbits. Now, both NGSO and GSO satellites will be able to share more of the communications spectrum.
It’s a change that was welcomed by David Goldman of Starlink, as well as Brian Huseman, vice president of Amazon, another company seeking to build a network of satellites that provide Internet with Amazon Leo.
As Gizmodo reports, Viasat is one of the GSO satellite companies that warned that the move could lead to more interference without proper regulation. Viasat has also expressed concern about Starlink gaining a monopoly in this particular market.
The FCC’s view is that modern satellites are designed to share spectrum more effectively than in the past, and the rules from the 1990s no longer apply. SpaceX-owned Starlink will no doubt be eager to launch its next batch of satellites.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to receive news, reviews and opinions from our experts in your feeds.
The best laptops for all budgets
