FCC approves SpaceX plan for internet by satellite

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is giving SpaceX the green light to provide broadband access by satellite.

“With this action, the Commission takes another step to increase high-speed broadband availability and competition in the United States,” the FCC said in a statement Thursday. “This is the first approval of a U.S.-licensed satellite constellation to provide broadband services using a new generation of low-Earth orbit satellite technologies.”

In its application, Elon Musk’s aerospace company said it plans to use a constellation of 4,425 low-orbit satellites to beam broadband down to Earth.

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“We appreciate the FCC’s thorough review and approval of SpaceX’s constellation license,” SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement.

“Although we still have much to do with this complex undertaking, this is an important step toward SpaceX building a next-generation satellite network that can link the globe with reliable and affordable broadband service, especially reaching those who are not yet connected.”

The company has mostly been tight-lipped about the project, known as Starlink. Last month, it launched its first two demonstration satellites into orbit.