Elon Musk's SpaceX has been given permission to operate its Starlink satellite internet system on moving vehicles like automobiles, trucks, boats, and aeroplanes by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Along with SpaceX, Kepler Communications has also received certification from the FCC, opening the door for a new class of user terminals that can connect to broadband-beaming satellites while in motion, according to the Verge.
According to Tom Sullivan, director of the FCC's international bureau, "authorising a new class of terminals for SpaceX's satellite system will expand the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing user demands that now require connectivity while on the move, whether driving an RV (recreational vehicle) across the country, transporting a freighter from Europe to a US port, or while on a domestic or international flight."
The FCC's regulatory permission was sought by SpaceX and numerous other businesses last year in order to permit the deployment of Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) Starlink terminals in moving spacecraft.
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Kepler and SpaceX's applications were granted by the FCC, however Dish Network's appeal to forbid the use of spectrum in the 12GHz band by the firms was rejected.
The FCC has stated that Kepler and SpaceX will be governed by whatever future rules it establishes, but it will continue to analyse the situation as it moves through with rulemaking about the use of ESIM devices in the 12GHz band, according to the report.
The FCC contends that it is in the public's best interest to approve the additional capacity.
The FCC's approval was accompanied by the statement, "We agree with SpaceX and Kepler that the public interest would be served by approving their applications with caveats.
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A constellation of thousands of satellites will be launched into low- to medium-Earth orbit as part of SpaceX's ambitious Starlink project to deliver low-latency broadband access to the planet's surface.
The corporation stated that it had 400,000 users recently after exiting beta testing near the end of last year and putting more than 2,400 satellites in orbit.
Customers who want to get Starlink must pay $599 for the kit, which includes a user terminal, and then an additional $110 every month.