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FCC approves SpaceX plan to deploy additional 7,500 Starlink satellites

By Thomson Reuters Jan 9, 2026 | 4:33 PM

WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) – The Federal Communications Commission ‍said on Friday it has approved SpaceX’s request to deploy another 7,500 ‌second-generation Starlink ‌satellites as it works to boost internet service worldwide.

The FCC said ​Elon Musk’s SpaceX can now ‍operate ​an additional 7,500 ​Gen2 Starlink satellites, ‍bringing the total to 15,000 satellites worldwide. The FCC is also ‍allowing SpaceX to upgrade the satellites and ‍operate ‍across five ​frequencies and is ​waiving prior ⁠requirements that prevented ‌overlapping coverage and enhanced capacity.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris ⁠Reese)