SpaceX Seeks to Boost Starlink Capacity with E-band Spectrum
SpaceX aims to enhance the capacity of its Starlink satellite broadband network by utilizing additional radio frequencies within its existing first-generation fleet.
On Friday, the company submitted a petition to the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to incorporate E-band radio frequencies, specifically in the 71.0-76.0 GHz and 81.0-86.0 GHz bands, into its initial Starlink constellation.
Should this request be granted, the modification could significantly boost the capacity of first-generation Starlink satellites, delivering faster and more reliable broadband coverage to a greater number of Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. SpaceX explains that the integration of E-band frequencies will optimize network architecture, thereby improving speeds, reducing latency, and providing higher quality broadband coverage for consumers.
Last year, the FCC authorized SpaceX to employ E-band spectrum for up to 7,500 satellites in its second-generation Starlink network. This authorization aims to strengthen data transmissions between SpaceX’s satellites and ground stations, known as gateways. The latest application notes that the use of E-band frequencies has already demonstrated clear benefits with no reported interference issues.
SpaceX asserts that the high capacity and efficient sharing characteristics of the E-band make it particularly advantageous for backhaul applications, such as high-capacity parabolic earth stations and resilient satellite backhaul for terrestrial networks.
The company has not requested an increase in the 4,408-satellite limit for its first-generation constellation, but it does seek permission to deploy satellites more flexibly within this network, thereby increasing the maximum number of orbital planes the satellites can occupy. This flexibility will enable SpaceX’s modified Gen1 system to efficiently distribute coverage and capacity where it is most needed, adapting as demands change over time, rather than being bound by a fixed configuration throughout the license term.
Starlink has been grappling with capacity constraints, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region, where the satellite network is overloaded. To address this issue, SpaceX has implemented a $1,000 surcharge for new residential customers in specific regions of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. However, in areas where Starlink has excess capacity, the company is offering substantial discounts to stimulate user growth.
In the long term, SpaceX intends to augment capacity by leveraging more radio bands and deploying nearly 20,000 additional satellites, subject to FCC approval.
