The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the service has seen its fair share of critics, with many s complaining about a lack of customer service.
Earlier this year, SpaceX took the first step towards offering a fast broadband connection on planes when it inked a deal with Texas-based aviation startup JSX to offer in-flight Wi-Fi. Delta has also confirmed that it has been testing Starlink internet on its planes, and more such tie-ups with other aviation companies and airlines might follow in the future as well. Starlink currently has more than 2,000 functional satellites in orbit, with plans to launch at least 4,200 as part of its plans to become the world’s largest provider of satellite internet services.
The FCC this week greenlit SpaceX's plans to offer satellite internet in cars, boats, and planes. The authorization is expected to help SpaceX fast-track its plans to provide on-the-go internet in moving vehicles. In a statement, the other satellite internet operators also sharing the same 12GHz band, possibly interfering with one another's services.
SpaceX Applied For The License Last Year
The FCC's decision comes more than a year after SpaceX originally applied for regulatory approval for its ESIM service. The application was filed in March 2021, with SpaceX asking the regulator for a license to operate Starlink terminals on Earth Stations in Motion. The approval allows SpaceX to operate consumer and enterprise Ku-band ESIMs in the 12GHz band.
Earlier this year, SpaceX started offering Starlink's satellite internet connections for RVs, but the service isn't meant for moving vehicles. Instead, it is intended to be used by campers in areas without usable internet services. The company also sells a 'portability add-on' that lets s take their Starlink service with them to any ed location.
Source: FCC