finance
FCC to Vote on Revising Satellite Power Rules Benefiting Low-Earth Orbit Providers Including SpaceX Starlink
The Federal Communications Commission will vote on April 30 to update satellite spectrum-sharing rules, allowing higher power levels for low-Earth orbit broadband systems. The changes aim to improve internet speeds and coverage, particularly in rural areas, with SpaceX's Starlink positioned to benefit most. Geostationary satellite operators oppose the proposal due to potential interference risks.
Apr 9, 5:00 PM·2m read3 sources
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The Federal Communications Commission announced on April 9, 2026, that it will vote on April 30 to revise satellite spectrum-sharing rules.
The proposed order would increase power levels permitted for low-Earth orbit operators in frequency bands shared with geostationary systems. This adjustment targets enhancements in broadband service for rural and remote areas. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the revisions could generate billions of dollars in economic benefits and enable broadband speeds multiple times faster than current options.
The agency noted that existing regulations, established in the 1990s, overprotect geostationary systems and limit access to advanced space-based broadband. As of March 2026, Starlink operates more than 10,020 satellites, representing about 65 percent of active satellites worldwide, and serves over 10 million subscribers.
“By discarding last century’s satellite regulations, we could see billions of dollars in benefits for the American economy and broadband speeds many times faster than what is available today.”
operators including Viasat, SES, and DIRECTV have opposed the proposed changes. They argue that higher power transmissions from low-Earth orbit systems would cause interference to their networks. In a filing submitted on April 8, 2026, DIRECTV stated that SpaceX's interference studies contain significant unresolved questions.
SpaceX dismissed these concerns, asserting that current equivalent power flux density limits constrain low-Earth orbit services and favor outdated geostationary systems. The company argued in a March 2026 submission that these rules leave rural users underserved and rely on obsolete models that ignore modern technologies like beamforming.
