The FCC has unanimously voted to review satellite radio spectrum regulations that have remained largely unchanged for over two decades. This move, prompted by a petition from SpaceX, could significantly impact the performance of satellite internet services like Starlink. Decision represents a crucial step toward potentially removing technical constraints that have limited satellite internet speeds.
SpaceX has been vocal about its frustration with what it calls “ancient regulations” that restrict the full capabilities of modern satellite technology. These outdated power restrictions, according to the company, represent the primary obstacle preventing Starlink from reaching its potential gigabit speeds, with current performance typically ranging between 100-200Mbps.
The current rules governing “equivalent power flux density limits” (EPFD) were designed in the 1990s to prevent low-Earth orbit satellites from interfering with geostationary satellites positioned much farther from Earth, (FCC green-lights spectrum expansion (17GHz) for Starlink and low-earth orbit satellites). However, these regulations now constrain how much energy Starlink satellites can transmit to and from ground equipment.
To comply with these limits, SpaceX has been forced to reduce signal quality, restrict the number of satellites serving specific areas, and implement “avoidance angles” to prevent interference. The company maintains that Starlink can safely operate “in excess of the current EPFD downlink limits while still protecting GSO (geostationary orbit) operations.”
Not everyone in the industry shares SpaceX’s enthusiasm for revising these regulations. Previous attempts by SpaceX to obtain waivers from these power limits faced opposition from competitors including EchoStar, Viasat, and OneWeb, setting the stage for what will likely be a contentious review process.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized broader implications beyond consumer internet speeds, noting that “winning in space is both an economic and national security imperative.” Statement underscores growing recognition that satellite technology leadership has significance beyond commercial interests.
The FCC’s review will specifically examine relaxing power restrictions for next-gen satellite giga internet services operating in the Ka and Ku bands (request for nearly 30k Gen2 satellites), frequency ranges used by both Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper constellation.
SpaceX Starlink Satellites
The regulatory revision process could extend beyond a year as the FCC solicits public comment and evaluates potential changes. Commission will need to balance competing interests: enabling technological innovation while preventing harmful interference between different satellite systems.
If the FCC ultimately decides to loosen these power limits for Starlink, customers could potentially see substantial improvements in connection speeds and reliability. For rural and remote users who lack access to traditional broadband infrastructure, these changes could prove transformative.
As the review process moves forward, the FCC power limits decision will shape not just Starlink’s future but potentially the entire competitive landscape of satellite internet services. When it comes to satellites and spectrum, the power to change the rules might just power up your internet connection.
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