SpaceX is pushing for significant modifications to its Starlink satellite system to enable SpaceX Starlink gigabit speeds for users across the United States and worldwide. In an application submitted to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on 11 October2024, SpaceX outlined changes it believes will deliver true low-latency, gigabit-speed connectivity to millions of people who currently lack access to reliable broadband services.
According to the application, SpaceX’s proposed changes to the Gen2 satellite system are designed to improve space sustainability and optimize operational parameters. The company aims to lower the altitudes of its satellites from 525 km, 530 km, and 535 km to 480 km, 485 km, and 475 km, respectively. This reconfiguration is intended to enhance the potential number of orbital planes and increase the overall efficiency of satellite operations, all while maintaining a cap of 29,988 second-generation satellites.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk emphasized the transformative potential of these next-generation satellites, stating, “The new Starlink satellites are so large that only Starship can launch them. They will allow for a tenfold increase in bandwidth and, with the reduced altitude, significantly faster latency.”
The ambitious goal of delivering gigabit speeds was initially promised by SpaceX back in 2016, long before the Starlink system was fully operational. “Once fully optimized through the Final Deployment, the system will be able to provide high bandwidth (up to 1 Gbps per user), low-latency broadband services for consumers and businesses in the U.S. and globally,” SpaceX reassured the FCC in its previous communications.
Current Performance and Future Improvements
As of now, Starlink users typically experience download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps, with most users enjoying speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. Upload speeds average between 5 and 20 Mbps, while latency varies from 25 to 60 ms on land and can exceed 100 ms in remote locations.
The company is now seeking to refine satellite elevation angles, proposing to reduce the minimum elevation angle from 25 degrees to 20 degrees for satellites operating between 400 and 500 kilometers in altitude. This adjustment is expected to enhance connectivity and prolong satellite-Earth station connections.
In addition to enhancing hardware capabilities, SpaceX aims to utilize Ka-, V-, and E-band frequencies for both mobile and fixed-satellite use cases. These modifications, while small, are poised to significantly improve connectivity and capacity for consumers, enterprises, and government users alike.
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Despite these advancements, the road to approval may not be smooth. The FCC has historically expressed skepticism regarding some of SpaceX’s claims, and other satellite operators and mobile carriers have raised objections to the proposed changes. Notably, AT&T and Verizon have urged the FCC to reject parts of SpaceX’s plan to provide cellular service in collaboration with T-Mobile, citing concerns over potential interference with terrestrial mobile networks.
While the FCC has previously denied funding requests from SpaceX, believing that the Starlink system may not meet the required speeds for federal broadband expansion grants, the recent application for satellite-system changes presents an opportunity for the company to address some of the capacity and speed limitations previously identified.
The future of SpaceX’s Starlink gigabit speeds is still uncertain as the FCC evaluates the proposed changes and potential objections from other companies. However, if approved, these advancements could revolutionize broadband access, providing high-speed internet to millions who currently lack reliable connectivity.
Elon Musk has solidified his leadership in the space industry, as the SpaceX constellation now controls nearly two-thirds of all active satellites orbiting Earth. Recently, SpaceX launched its 7,000th Starlink satellite, boosting its total to an impressive 6,370 active satellites.
The Starlink network has expanded rapidly, averaging three satellite launches per day since 2019. According to CelesTrak, SpaceX operates over 62% of the world’s satellites, significantly outpacing its closest rival, OneWeb, which has struggled since losing its partnership with Russia.
