The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted and released order DA 26-1078, docket 25-340, on October 6, 2026, granting Space Exploration Holdings, LLC authority to launch and operate the SpaceX non-geostationary mobile-satellite system for direct-to-device services. The U.S. authorization concerns the next-generation system associated with Starlink Mobile.
What the reported satellite cap and spectrum waiver cover
The reported authorization covers up to 15,000 next-generation satellites. Its reported terms also include a waiver concerning the need for a spectrum-lease agreement with a terrestrial mobile operator for satellite wireless service.
The reported orbital altitude range is 326–335 kilometers. The FCC reportedly deferred SpaceX requests involving 2020–2025 MHz in the United States and 1429–2690 MHz outside the country, following objections that included concerns about radio interference and light pollution.
SpaceX’s future speed target
SpaceX’s reported performance target for the planned system is up to 150 Mbps per user. That figure describes a future capability, rather than a current customer speed.
What the U.S. authorization means for service
The FCC order grants U.S. regulatory authority to launch and operate the system. It is a regulatory step for a planned satellite network, not a worldwide commercial launch of Starlink Mobile.
