FCC Set to Supercharge Starlink Performance, Potentially Lower Costs

Key Points:

• The FCC is set to vote on April 30 to modernize satellite internet rules, aiming to boost speeds and reduce costs for low-Earth orbit constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Leo by updating outdated power limits from the 1990s.
• The proposed changes focus on relaxing the Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits, allowing more low-Earth orbit satellites to operate at higher power levels simultaneously, potentially increasing capacity by 100% to 700% or enabling fewer satellites to deliver the same service at lower costs.
• The FCC encourages voluntary coordination between geostationary and low-Earth orbit satellite operators to manage interference, with technical safeguards in place if agreements fail, citing real-world tests that support the feasibility of these new rules.
• SpaceX, which already serves 10 million customers, strongly supports the overhaul, having previously secured temporary waivers to exceed EPFD limits, while some incumbents like DirecTV have raised concerns about potential signal interference.
• If approved, the new order will replace existing waivers and could accelerate competition and innovation in satellite internet services by enabling newer technologies to operate more efficiently and affordably.