Federal communications regulators are preparing to modernize decades-old restrictions on satellite internet operations, a move that could significantly enhance broadband access for rural communities across the country.
The Federal Communications Commission announced Wednesday that commissioners will consider new regulations on April 30th that would permit more intensive wireless spectrum usage for satellite-based internet services. Officials estimate these changes could generate approximately $2 billion in economic benefits through expanded broadband access.
Current regulations dating back to the 1990s impose restrictions on power output for satellite internet providers like SpaceX’s Starlink network. Under the proposed updates, these space-based broadband systems could potentially increase their capacity up to seven times current levels, delivering faster speeds, reduced costs, and improved service reliability.
The regulatory changes would particularly benefit residents in rural and isolated communities by enabling access to high-speed satellite internet services, according to commission officials.
“By discarding last century’s satellite regulations, we could see billions of dollars in benefits for the American economy and broadband speeds many times faster than what is available today,” FCC Chair Brendan Carr said.
SpaceX submitted a formal request for these rule modifications in August 2024, arguing to regulators last month that existing regulations “significantly overly restrict next-generation satellite systems, imposing massive unnecessary constraints that directly harm the millions of consumers reliant on these systems for high-speed broadband.”
However, established satellite companies Viasat and DirecTV have expressed opposition to the proposed changes, citing concerns that increased power levels could create interference problems with their existing satellite operations.
Earlier this year in January, the FCC granted SpaceX authorization to launch an additional 7,500 advanced Starlink satellites. These newer satellites are designed to provide direct cellular connectivity internationally and supplementary coverage within the United States, enabling next-generation mobile services and internet speeds reaching up to 1 gigabit per second.
Through its Starlink constellation, SpaceX has established itself as the world’s leading satellite operator, managing more than 10,000 satellites that deliver internet services to residential customers, government agencies, and business clients globally.
