# FCC approves SpaceX's 15,000-satellite Starlink Mobile constellation

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/fcc-approves-spacex-s-15-000-satellite-starlink-mobile-constellation-35b93051
Date: 7 Oct 2026
About: [SpaceX](https://technooptimist.io/companies/spacex.md) · [Starlink](https://technooptimist.io/spaceflight/starlink.md)
Original source: https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2026/10/07/fcc-grants-spacex-approval-for-15000-direct-to-device-satellites-in-mss-spectrum/

The US Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX's application for 15,000 next-generation direct-to-device satellites, branded Starlink Mobile, on October 6, 2026. The system will run in very low orbit and is separate from the Starlink broadband constellation; the approval covers satellite mobile and supplemental service inside the US.

## Key facts

- The satellites will fly in nine orbital shells between 326 km and 335 km.
- The FCC deferred SpaceX's request to use the 2020–2025 MHz band (Earth-to-space) for mobile satellite service in the US.
- Use of the EchoStar spectrum depends on a second deal step expected around November 30, 2027; until then, testing needs EchoStar's permission.
- SpaceX operates about 650 direct-to-device satellites today; Gwynne Shotwell said second-generation satellites will start flying next year, with service by the end of that year.
- The company's original filing promised connectivity 'virtually anywhere on Earth' with voice, testing and high-speed data.

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