The Federal Communications Commission voted on Wednesday to open 525 megahertz of new radio spectrum to Starlink and other fixed satellite internet services to boost download speeds and network capacity. According to a draft order cited by the agency, the regulatory decision clears access to the 12.7–13.25GHz and 42–42.5GHz frequency bands for satellite broadband providers.
FCC Spectrum Expansion Details
Starlink dishes already utilize the 12.7–13.25GHz frequency range for Earth-to-space uploads. Under the new FCC order, those same dishes and competing fixed satellite services can now use these bands for both uplinks and downlinks. The downlinking authorization extends to dishes in motion, which the commission noted will benefit users accessing Starlink on planes and boats. The agency stated that adding 525 megahertz of contiguous downlink spectrum represents a more than 25% increase that will accelerate broadband deployment in rural and remote areas. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the move ensures bountiful downlink spectrum directly to consumer terminals, providing additional bandwidth for in-home service.
Gateway Stations and Capacity Gains
In addition to consumer terminals, the FCC greenlit the 42GHz spectrum for downlinking exclusively for ground-based gateway stations that transmit data to satellites. The commission indicated this frequency range, which is already used outside the United States, will improve core traffic-routing functions in satellite ground networks. An FCC analysis found that incorporating the 42GHz band should yield a 7.2% capacity increase for a high-throughput, low-orbiting satellite. Carr noted that making next-generation satellite broadband faster and more reliable enhances competition for all consumers, a reference to Starlink luring customers away from traditional internet service providers. SpaceX has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding when it will file modification applications to harness the newly opened spectrum.
Environmental Exemptions and Satellite Growth
Alongside the spectrum vote, the commission approved a measure to effectively exempt satellite constellations like Starlink from federal environmental reviews. The decision marks a regulatory win for SpaceX, which currently operates over 10,000 satellites in orbit and plans to deploy up to a million more to support its orbital data center ambitions. Astronomers and environmentalists have raised concerns that the expansion could increase light pollution, degrade the atmosphere, and worsen space junk and orbital congestion. Meanwhile, SpaceX has begun deploying its first V3 satellites designed to scale Starlink capacity and deliver gigabit speeds.
Future Spectrum Allocations
The FCC stated it looks forward to seeing how spectrum abundance will expand high-speed connectivity to underserved areas. The regulatory changes build on the agency’s broader priority of streamlining approval processes and updating rules to increase capacity for US satellite communication providers.
FCC opens new radio bands and exempts Starlink from environmental reviews
What radio bands did the FCC open for Starlink?
The FCC voted to open access to the 12.7–13.25GHz and 42–42.5GHz radio bands for fixed satellite services.
How will the new spectrum affect Starlink users?
The changes provide a more than 25% increase in downlink spectrum, which is intended to improve download speeds, boost network capacity, and benefit users on planes and boats.
Did the FCC exempt satellites from environmental reviews?
Yes, the commission voted to effectively exempt satellite constellations like Starlink from federal environmental reviews, drawing concerns from astronomers regarding light pollution and orbital congestion.
When will SpaceX start using the new spectrum?
SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and companies typically must file a modification application with the FCC before utilizing newly opened spectrum.
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