Washington: In a pivotal decision, a U.S. appeals court has upheld the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval of SpaceX’s ambitious plan to deploy thousands of Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone in the realm of global broadband expansion.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia dismissed challenges from DISH Network and an environmental group representing amateur astronomers and dark-sky enthusiasts. DISH Network argued that the FCC failed to adequately assess potential signal interference with existing satellites, while the environmental group contended that environmental laws were not sufficiently considered in the approval process. The court reaffirmed its stance from a previous 2022 challenge, solidifying SpaceX’s strategy to deploy satellites in a lower Earth orbit.
The FCC’s 2022 approval allows SpaceX to expand its satellite constellation by up to 7,500 units, building upon an initial 2018 approval for 4,425 first-generation satellites. This paves the way for SpaceX’s ambitious vision of a “second-generation” or Gen2 Starlink network, which aims to deploy a total of 29,988 satellites. This network is poised to bridge the digital divide by providing robust internet access to underserved and remote regions globally.
The three-judge panel underscored the FCC’s decision as both lawful and reasonable, affirming the agency’s thorough review process. DISH Network declined immediate comment following the ruling.
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In related developments, the FCC rejected funding applications in 2022 from SpaceX and LTD Broadband under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Initially earmarked for $885.5 million to support satellite internet expansion in rural America, SpaceX’s application was turned down due to Starlink’s inability to meet program requirements and demonstrate reliable service capabilities.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel defended these decisions during recent congressional hearings, emphasizing the FCC’s commitment to stringent standards and equitable broadband access across the United States.
