Space

FCC Lets SpaceX Increase Its Global Broadband Satellite Network

The FCC will let SpaceX launch nearly 12,000 satellites into low-earth orbit for its global broadband internet project.

FCC Lets SpaceX Increase Its Global Broadband Satellite Network
Getty Images
SMS

SpaceX is reportedly still years away from completing its worldwide broadband network. But it just received approval to make the satellite network even larger. 

On Thursday, the FCC approved letting the company launch more than 7,500 internet-delivery satellites into low-earth orbit. That's in addition to the more than 4,000 satellites the FCC approved for the project in March.

The FCC says the satellite system will allow SpaceX to provide services for "residential, commercial, institutional, governmental, and professional users in the United States and globally." 

On Thursday the FCC also approved letting three other companies launch similar internet satellite networks. 

SpaceX says it plans to begin launching some of its satellites next year. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.