The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted a significant approval to SpaceX's plans to expand its second-generation Starlink (Gen2) satellite network. In an announcement made on January 10, 2026, the company was officially permitted to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation (Gen2) Starlink satellites. With previous authorizations, SpaceX can now deploy a total of 15,000 Gen2 Starlink satellites worldwide.
Coverage to Expand
The FCC's decision emphasized that this expansion will enable the widespread availability of high-speed, low-latency internet services on a global scale. Furthermore, the new authorization aims to significantly strengthen space-based mobile coverage and complementary cellular services.
The Commission's approval was not limited to just an increase in satellite numbers. The FCC also granted SpaceX permission to update its Gen2 Starlink satellites with advanced designs and the latest technologies. This means the satellites will be able to operate in Ku, Ka, V, E, and W bands, offering support for both Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and Mobile Satellite Service (MSS).
The FCC also removed some older requirements that limited capacity and prevented overlapping coverage in previous regulations. This allows SpaceX to optimize its coverage area and network performance by adding new orbital layers at altitudes ranging from 340 kilometers to 485 kilometers. This flexibility paves the way for the Starlink network to operate more efficiently in both densely populated areas and hard-to-reach regions. The company had previously announced that it would lower approximately 4,400 existing Starlink satellites from an altitude of about 550 kilometers to around 480 kilometers throughout 2026.
Satellite Phone Connectivity Expands
The new Gen2 satellites will also enable SpaceX to offer direct-to-cell connectivity in regions outside the U.S. Within the U.S., additional coverage support is planned to complement existing cellular networks. This approach is considered critical for communication continuity, especially in rural and remote areas with limited infrastructure.
In the U.S., T-Mobile actively uses Starlink infrastructure, and SpaceX also has collaborations with mobile operators in various other countries. With the latest FCC approval, all 15,000 Gen2 Starlink satellites can be used for both fixed internet and mobile communication services.
SpaceX Wants to Launch 15,000 More Satellites
SpaceX's plans are not limited to the current expansion. The company intends to launch an additional 15,000 new satellites specifically designed for mobile services. SpaceX filed an application with the FCC for this system in September 2025, stating that the next-generation network would support voice calls, messaging, and high-speed data communication.
However, this application has also sparked debate within the industry. Several satellite operators, including Viasat and Globalstar, filed objections with the FCC, arguing that such a large-scale expansion by SpaceX could monopolize orbital and frequency resources. Viasat contended that this plan would harm competition, innovation, and fair access for other operators.
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