SpaceWatch Global
• Joshua Faleti
The FCC approved SpaceX’s plan for a 15,000-satellite Starlink Mobile system and granted spectrum flexibility for satellite-to-phone services. The decision moves the service closer to operating as a standalone wireless offering, with potential to reshape how satellite connectivity reaches mobile devices.
FCC
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The Federal Communications Commission has authorized Globalstar to operate its third-generation C-3 constellation in mobile satellite services spectrum. The system is intended to provide direct-to-device connectivity for smartphones, advancing Globalstar’s satellite service plans under the regulatory authority granted by the FCC.
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The FCC approved SpaceX’s plan for a 15,000-satellite Starlink Mobile system and granted spectrum flexibility for satellite-to-phone services. The decision moves the service closer to operating as a standalone wireless offering, with potential to reshape how satellite connectivity reaches mobile devices.
High activity
The FCC authorized SpaceX to deploy 15,000 satellites for direct-to-device service, while deferring some elements of its request. The agency also announced plans to make more wireless spectrum available and is set to vote on auctioning 25 MHz that could benefit SpaceX and Amazon.
The FCC advanced its deregulation agenda with two decisions: exempting certain space activities from federal environmental regulations and making 1,000 megahertz of spectrum available. The actions could reduce regulatory requirements for affected space activities while expanding access to communications capacity.
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The Government Accountability Office says vulnerabilities in national airspace communications could allow spoofing and urges the FAA to strengthen its cybersecurity posture. The agency issued nine recommendations, underscoring risks to systems that support air traffic management and the resilience of U.S. aviation infrastructure.
The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on changes that would waive or narrow National Environmental Policy Act reviews for certain space operations while streamlining environmental assessments that remain required. The proposal could alter the commission’s environmental review process for space-related activities.
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Satellite operators and space startups are reassessing their exposure to SpaceX as Falcon 9’s role in the commercial market comes under scrutiny. At the same time, Rocket Lab’s proposed Iridium acquisition, spectrum-focused strategies and direct-to-device partnerships highlight intensifying competition across launch, connectivity and satellite services.
The FCC is expected to formalize its longstanding practice of excluding satellite constellations from environmental reviews as developers advance proposals for more than 1 million orbital data centers. The decision could establish a clearer regulatory baseline for large-scale commercial space infrastructure.
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