Elon Musk's SpaceX had asked the FCC for approval to fly
2,824 satellites at a lower orbit as part of the plan to provide high-speed
broadband internet services to people who currently lack access.
The change in altitude would improve space safety, reduce
power flux density emissions to improve the interference environment and lower
"elevation angles to improve the customer experience," SpaceX told
the FCC.
The FCC's decision to grant the approval, which Reuters
reported earlier on Tuesday, includes a number of conditions to ensure the
plan's safety.
"SpaceX's operations at lower altitudes and significant
maneuverability should result in lower collision risk and an improved orbital
debris environment," the FCC said.
The FCC also said SpaceX agreed to accept that their
lower-altitude satellites may encounter interference from satellites deployed
under Amazon's Kuiper Systems satellite project.
In July, Amazon said it would invest more than $10 billion to
build a network of 3,236 low-earth orbit satellites.
Musk and Amazon have sparred publicly over the competing
satellite plans.
Amazon praised the FCC order for placing "clear
conditions on SpaceX, including requirements that it remain below 580km and
accept additional interference resulting from its redesign. These conditions
address our primary concerns regarding space safety and interference."
SpaceX, which plans to eventually deploy 12,000 satellites
in total, has said previously the Starlink constellation will cost it roughly
$10 billion.
While extremely costly to deploy, satellite technology can
provide high-speed Internet for people who live in rural or hard-to-serve
places where fiber optic cables and cell towers do not reach. The technology
could also be a critical backstop when hurricanes or other natural disasters
disrupt communication.
© Reuters
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