The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given SpaceX a significant boost by granting partial approval for its Starlink upgrade, paving the way for gigabit speeds and enhanced connectivity for users. This decision, announced on Friday January 9th, 2026, allows SpaceX to deploy an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total authorized number to 15,000. While SpaceX had requested permission for nearly 30,000 satellites, the FCC is deferring the decision on the remaining ones for now.

The FCC's approval encompasses several key aspects that will contribute to Starlink's enhanced performance:

• Increased Satellite Capacity: The approval doubles the satellite cap for the second-generation Starlink constellation, initially approved in December 2022, from 7,500 to 15,000. This brings the total number of satellites SpaceX can operate to 19,400, considering previous clearances for the first-generation constellation.
• Lower Orbit Operations: The FCC has approved SpaceX to operate most of its satellites approximately 200 kilometers closer to Earth, which is expected to reduce latency. This includes deploying satellites in various orbital shells between 340km and 485km.
• Wider Frequency Usage: Starlink is now authorized to operate across five frequency bands, including Ku, Ka, V, E, and W bands, supporting both Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and Mobile Satellite Service (MSS). This expanded spectrum access will allow for faster broadband speeds.
• Increased Power Levels: The FCC granted SpaceX a time-limited waiver to operate the Starlink network at higher power levels to improve speeds, while also initiating a process to update rules on equivalent power flux density limits.
• Direct-to-Cell Connectivity: The additional satellites will provide direct-to-cell connectivity outside the United States and supplemental coverage within the US, enabling next-generation mobile services and internet speeds up to 1 gigabit per second. Starlink has partnered with T-Mobile in the US to provide satellite-to-phone services, enabling users to send texts and access compatible apps in remote areas. The companies are also planning to roll out voice calls over satellite in the future.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hailed the decision as a "game-changer" for enabling next-generation services, stating that it gives SpaceX the green light to deliver unprecedented satellite broadband capabilities, strengthen competition, and ensure no community is left behind.

With the FCC's green light, SpaceX is expected to launch next-generation V3 Starlink satellites, which are larger and have been upgraded with more capacity. These satellites are designed to provide 60 Terabits per second of downlink capacity to the network, more than 20 times the capacity of the V2 Mini launches. Starlink forecasts launching the first V3 satellites sometime this year.

This upgrade promises several benefits for Starlink users:

• Gigabit Speeds: Starlink is focused on making network enhancements which will enable gigabit speeds starting in the most remote places on Earth with the Performance Kit. Service plan upgrades will be available in 2026. No hardware changes needed.
• Enhanced Coverage and Accessibility: Starlink's satellite network is designed to provide internet connectivity to areas with limited or no access.
• Lower Latency: By operating satellites closer to Earth, Starlink reduces latency, making it suitable for real-time applications like online gaming and video conferencing.
• Network Resilience and Redundancy: Starlink's satellite network architecture provides inherent resilience and redundancy compared to traditional terrestrial-based networks, mitigating disruptions caused by network congestion, weather, or infrastructure damage.
• Improved Competition and Affordability: Starlink's entry into the broadband market injects competition, potentially leading to more affordable and competitive pricing for internet services.

To meet the FCC's requirements, SpaceX must launch 50% of the authorized Gen2 satellites, place them in assigned orbits, and operate them no later than December 1, 2028, and launch the remaining satellites by December 2031. The company must also complete the deployment of the 7,500 first-generation satellites by late November 2027.

While the FCC's approval is a significant step forward, it's worth noting that upgrading from older Starlink generations may require new hardware and is not a simple plug-and-play process.