In a notable development that would significantly expand its constellation of satellites, SpaceX has just received approval from the FCC to operate up to 15,000 next-gen satellites
Brendan Carr: "The FCC authorization is a game-changer for enabling next-generation services"
SpaceX has now received authorization from the FCC to operate up to 15,000 of its second-generation (Gen2) satellites. This means that the company can now launch around 7,500 new satellites to bring its total second-gen strength to 15,000 units.
For the benefit of those who might not be aware, SpaceX's Gen2 Starlink satellites offer a higher capacity and lower latency, while allowing for:
- A 20x increase in throughput
- Direct-to-Cell capability by allowing Gen2 satellites to connect to unmodified cellular handsets.
- Greater orbital maneuverability and autonomous collission avoidance system.
With this authorization, SpaceX has just enhanced its apex position as the leading global provider of satellite-based connectivity to commercial and defense sectors.
This comes as we recently noted a few tantalizing signs of a potential tie-up between SpaceX and Apple:
- SpaceX's new Starlink satellite designs now support the radio spectrum that Apple uses for its iPhones.
- Apple currently uses Globalstar's satellite connectivity for its 'Emergency SOS' service, which allows iPhone users to contact emergency services when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
- The tie-up with Globalstar also enables iPhone users to share location and exchange messages with personal contacts and first responders.
- Apple and Globalstar, however, appear to be drifting apart, with the chair of Globalstar, James Monroe, recently discussing the possibility of selling his company for over $10 billion.
- Globalstar continues to struggle with Starlink's dominance, even as Apple has invested around $2 billion into the company over the past few years.
- It is unlikely that Apple will buy Globalstar as the Cupertino giant does not want to be regulated as a carrier. It is partially due to this reason that it has yet to charge iPhone users for Globalstar's satellite services.
- SpaceX recently acquired EchoStar's wireless spectrum for $17 billion, enabling Starlink to provide faster internet services to phones around the globe.
- SpaceX President, Gwynne Shotwell, recently announced that the company was working with chipmakers to integrate satellite connectivity directly into smartphones.
- According to The Information, Apple plans to add support for satellite-based 5G internet as early as 2026.
- According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, next-gen iPhones are expected to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, which allows cell towers to use satellites to extend their coverage.
- Apple is also planning to furnish an API that would allow third-party developers to integrate satellite connectivity within their apps.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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