There’s some unfortunate news included. By Stan Schroeder on April 10, 2026.
SpaceX’s Starlink may become more affordable and quicker thanks to new regulations, but not all parties are pleased. On April 30, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will decide on an order that modifies the rules for how older geostationary satellite systems share radio spectrum with low-Earth orbit constellations like Starlink.
Under current rules, the energy satellite systems can transmit is quite restricted to protect higher-orbiting systems. The new proposal would relax these rules, allowing satellites to reach private agreements on sharing radio spectrum.
This change might let Starlink and similar systems deploy more satellites in certain areas, increasing internet speeds. Alternatively, using fewer satellites at a higher power level could deliver the same speeds, potentially lowering costs.
SpaceX, which mentioned Starlink in a footnote, lobbied for these changes, prompting FCC consideration. SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Leo have temporary approval to exceed power limits, but this proposal, if passed, would make it permanent.
However, not everyone is pleased. Satellite TV company DirecTV expressed concern its service might face disruptions if SpaceX is allowed increased radio emission levels with Starlink. The FCC document’s full text is available online.
Topics include: SpaceX.