FCC Approves 15,000 Starlink Mobile Satellites: What It Means for You

Regulation · News · Published October 7, 2026 · SatellitePlan

Short answerOn October 6, 2026 the FCC approved SpaceX's plan for up to 15,000 new Starlink Mobile satellites, in part, and waived the rule that required SpaceX to partner with a cellular carrier. That opens a path for SpaceX to sell phone service on its own, in competition with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. It does not change Starlink home internet plans or prices, and the new phone service is still years from launch.

What did the FCC approve?

Illustration: satellites in low orbit beam service to a phone on the ground. Today: about 650 satellites at an estimated 4 Mbps. Approved October 6: up to 15,000 satellites, 150 Mbps claimed by SpaceX. — Today's Starlink Mobile vs the newly approved constellation. *150 Mbps is SpaceX's claim, not a measured result. Satellite and speed figures from PCMag. Illustration by SatellitePlan.

The FCC granted SpaceX's application "in part" in order DA 26-1078, adopted and released October 6, 2026. SpaceX filed it in September 2025. It covers a new constellation of up to 15,000 satellites that fly at 326 to 335 kilometers (about 202 to 208 miles), lower than Starlink's home-internet satellites. PCMag and TechSpot both report the decision.

Two things matter most. First, the FCC waived the requirement that SpaceX have a spectrum-leasing deal with a ground-based mobile operator, so SpaceX can offer wireless service on its own spectrum. Second, the satellites may use spectrum SpaceX is buying from EchoStar, alongside the T-Mobile "PCS G-block" frequencies that today's service uses.

Is this the same as the 15,000-satellite approval from January?

No. TechSpot notes that in January the FCC approved another 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites, which doubled that system's authorization to 15,000 and focused on broadband capacity. This October approval is a separate system for phones. Together the two cover 30,000 satellites, not counting the first-generation constellation. For scale, SpaceX had launched nearly 13,000 Starlink satellites by early October, with about 11,150 still in orbit, according to tracking data from Jonathan McDowell cited by TechSpot.

How is the new Starlink Mobile different from what exists today?

Today's "version 1" works in the US only through T-Mobile as T-Satellite. PCMag says it uses around 650 satellites with estimated data speeds of about 4 Mbps. SpaceX says the new constellation will deliver 5G-like speeds of up to 150 Mbps per user, using satellites plus smaller ground-based femtocells to reach phones in suburbs and cities. That is the company's claim, not a measured result. PCMag notes that T-Mobile's CFO has been dismissive of the femtocell approach.

When could you actually use it?

Not soon. The order lets SpaceX only test on the EchoStar frequencies until "Step Two" of the SpaceX-EchoStar deal closes, scheduled for November 30, 2027. By then SpaceX projects it will have started launching the first "version 2" Starlink Mobile satellites. Japan's KDDI, which signed a Starlink Mobile V2 agreement in September, says it aims to offer the next-generation service outside terrestrial coverage by the end of 2027, according to TechSpot. The FCC also deferred parts of SpaceX's request, including the 2020 to 2025 MHz band and use of 1429 to 2690 MHz outside the US.

Who objected, and what happens to T-Mobile?

PCMag reports opposition from rival satellite operators and environmental groups worried about radio interference and light pollution. The American Astronomical Society told the FCC it was concerned about interference with observations, orbital debris and the effects of reentering satellites (TechSpot). Whether T-Mobile keeps Starlink as its satellite partner is an open question, since it has played down T-Satellite and said it could work with other providers.

Does this change Starlink home internet?

No. Home and Roam plans use a different set of satellites and a dish, and nothing in this order changes their prices, speeds or availability. If you want Starlink for a home or cabin today, check your address on starlink.com first, since availability and plan pricing vary by location. If you order through our referral link, you get the same reward as the person who referred you, which Starlink gives as cash or service credit once you have been subscribed for two months (Starlink's US example is $100; the amount shown in your Starlink account is what counts). Amazon Leo, the other big constellation in the news, still has no consumer pricing. See our Starlink vs Amazon Leo comparison.

Get the Starlink referral offer

Referral link. If you order through it, the site owner may receive a service credit from Starlink. It does not change the price you pay. See the referral terms.

Frequently asked questions

Can Starlink now replace my phone carrier?

Not yet. The FCC approved the satellites and waived the carrier-partnership rule, but the new constellation still has to be built and launched, and SpaceX has to show the service works. Today's service in the US runs through T-Mobile.

How many satellites did the FCC approve for Starlink Mobile?

Up to 15,000, at altitudes of 326 to 335 km, in an order adopted and released October 6, 2026 (DA 26-1078). The grant was in part, and some spectrum requests were deferred.

How fast will Starlink Mobile be?

SpaceX says up to 150 Mbps per user on the new constellation, compared with roughly 4 Mbps on the current version, according to PCMag. These are company claims and have not been measured.

Does this affect Starlink home internet prices?

No. The order covers a separate mobile satellite system. Home and Roam plans are not part of it.

When will the new Starlink Mobile satellites launch?

SpaceX projects the first version 2 satellites will begin launching around when its EchoStar deal closes, scheduled for November 30, 2027. KDDI in Japan targets end of 2027 for its service.