After months of waiting, SpaceX has received partial approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin deployment of the Starlink cellular communications system – but only for short tests.
The FCC decided to partially grant a partial postponement of the company’s application to operate a satellite service that is being developed to provide communication with T-Mobile smartphones.
The FCC ruling allows SpaceX to “deploy a modified version of previously authorized Gen2 Starlink satellites.” However, the company is getting permission only to test the operation of radio stations on satellites, reports PCMag.
Specifically, SpaceX may operate satellites in the 1910-1915 MHz and 1990-1995 MHz bands for limited in-orbit antenna performance testing immediately after each satellite is deployed for 10 days or less to ensure initial satellite antenna functionality.
The order also states that SpaceX must prevent radio interference to other services during communications tests. This involves coordinating with any potentially affected test operators.
SpaceX still needs full FCC approval before it can begin operating the Starlink cellular system for U.S. consumers. The commission said it delayed consideration of part of the company’s application because SpaceX did not complete the “Appendix S” form, which details the technical and operational characteristics of the satellites. Instead, SpaceX asked for a delay, citing restrictions in “Appendix C” that prevent it from accurately describing certain aspects of satellite technology.
For several months now, SpaceX has been persistently asking the American regulator to get permission to operate Starlink cellular communications. Last week, SpaceX filed a separate application to test the technology on 840 satellites starting next week, pending FCC approval.
However, the FCC has raised concerns from competing companies that Starlink’s cellular system causes radio interference. So the Commission may be trying to find a compromise as it continues to weigh whether to grant full approval to SpaceX’s application.
The company currently plans to launch the Starlink cellular system for text messaging via satellite next year.
Starlink will launch the Direct to Cell – SMS service in 2024, voice and IoT a year later
