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US Moves to Ease Satellite Power Limits, Boosting Space Broadband

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The Federal Communications Commission is preparing to relax long-standing power limits on satellite spectrum usage, a move expected to significantly enhance space-based broadband services.

The proposed rule changes, scheduled for a vote on April 30, would allow more intensive use of wireless spectrum for satellite operations. According to the FCC, this could increase broadband capacity by up to seven times current levels, enabling faster speeds, lower latency and improved reliability.

The decision is seen as a major boost for companies such as SpaceX and its Starlink network, which already operates the world’s largest satellite constellation with over 10,000 satellites.

Current regulations, dating back to the 1990s, impose strict limits on transmission power. Regulators argue that these constraints are outdated and restrict the performance of next-generation satellite systems. The FCC estimates the updated framework could generate up to $2 billion in economic benefits.

The changes are particularly relevant for rural and remote areas, where satellite broadband often serves as the primary connectivity option. Higher power levels would allow stronger signals and more consistent service in underserved regions.

However, the proposal has drawn opposition from competitors such as Viasat and DirecTV, which have raised concerns about potential signal interference and orbital congestion.

SpaceX has argued that current rules unnecessarily constrain innovation and limit service quality for millions of users. The company has also been expanding its network, including approval earlier this year to deploy thousands of additional next-generation satellites.

If adopted, the regulatory shift would mark a structural change in satellite communications policy, potentially accelerating the global expansion of space-based internet services and intensifying competition in the broadband market.

FCC Chair Supports Nexstar’s Tegna Acquisition

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The chair of the Federal Communications Commission has expressed support for Nexstar’s proposed $3.54 billion acquisition of Tegna, a move that could create the largest regional television station operator in the United States.

If approved, the deal would significantly expand Nexstar’s reach, potentially covering up to 80 percent of U.S. television households across key markets. However, completing the acquisition would require regulatory adjustments, including changes to existing limits on broadcast station ownership.

Current FCC rules prevent a single company from owning television stations reaching more than 39 percent of U.S. households. Supporters of the merger argue that these limits should be revised to reflect shifts in the media landscape, particularly as traditional broadcasters face declining revenues and growing competition from streaming platforms.

Industry groups have also called for modernization of ownership rules, suggesting that longstanding regulations place broadcasters at a disadvantage compared to large technology companies.

While some policymakers believe the ownership cap could be adjusted through regulatory action, others question whether such changes require legislative approval.

The proposed merger highlights ongoing debates over competition, diversity and the evolving structure of the media sector.

FCC Approves SpaceX Plan to Deploy 7,500 Additional Starlink Satellites

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved SpaceX’s request to deploy an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, significantly expanding the company’s satellite broadband network as it seeks to boost global internet coverage.

With the approval, SpaceX is now authorised to operate a total of 15,000 Gen2 Starlink satellites worldwide. The FCC also granted permission for the company to upgrade these satellites, operate across five frequency bands, and waived previous restrictions that limited overlapping coverage and network capacity.

According to the FCC, the newly authorised satellites will support direct-to-cell connectivity outside the United States and provide supplemental coverage within the U.S., enabling next-generation mobile services and internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.

“This FCC authorisation is a game-changer for enabling next-generation services,” said FCC Chair Brendan Carr. “By authorising 15,000 new and advanced satellites, the FCC has given SpaceX the green light to deliver unprecedented satellite broadband capabilities, strengthen competition, and help ensure that no community is left behind.”

SpaceX had sought approval to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites in total, but the FCC said it is, for now, approving only half of that request. The remaining 14,988 proposed Gen2 satellites — including those intended to operate above 600 kilometres in orbit — will be reviewed at a later stage.

Under the decision, SpaceX must launch and operate at least 50% of the authorised Gen2 satellites by December 1, 2028, with full deployment required by December 2031. The company is also required to complete deployment of its 7,500 first-generation satellites by late November 2027.

The approval comes as Starlink continues to reconfigure its constellation. The company said last week it would begin lowering satellites orbiting at around 550 kilometres to 480 kilometres during 2026 to improve space safety. SpaceX disclosed in December that one satellite suffered an in-orbit anomaly that generated a small amount of debris — a rare kinetic incident for the satellite internet operator.

SpaceX, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has become the world’s largest satellite operator through Starlink, which currently consists of about 9,400 active satellites delivering broadband internet to consumers, governments and businesses. Former FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel had previously called for more competition in the satellite broadband sector, noting that Starlink controlled nearly two-thirds of all active satellites.