FCC approves 15,000 Starlink Mobile satellites for direct-to-phone service

The FCC cleared SpaceX on October 6 to launch and operate 15,000 Starlink Mobile satellites at altitudes of 326–335 km. A waiver lets SpaceX sell satellite wireless service without leasing spectrum from a terrestrial carrier, setting up direct competition with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

• FCC approved 15,000 Starlink Mobile satellites on October 6
• Satellites will orbit at altitudes of 326–335 km
• SpaceX can use spectrum from EchoStar and T-Mobile
• Combined with Gen2, SpaceX has 30,000 satellites approved