SpaceX's Starlink Eyes More Capacity With E-Band Spectrum Request

SpaceX is trying to expand Starlink’s capacity by tapping more radio spectrum across its first-generation satellite fleet.

On Friday, the company filed a request with the US Federal Communications Commission to add “E-band” radio frequencies, in the 71.0-76.0 GHz and 81.0-86.0 GHz ranges, to its first-generation Starlink constellation.

If granted, the change promises to help first-generation Starlink satellites “deliver more capacity more quickly to more Americans, especially those in rural and other underserved areas,” SpaceX says.

e-band request

(Credit: SpaceX)

“Specifically, complementing already authorized Ku- and Ka-band frequencies with E-band will enable SpaceX’s Gen1 system to optimize its network architecture to provide higher speeds, lower latency, and even more reliable broadband coverage for consumers,” the company adds.

Last year, the FCC cleared SpaceX to use the E-band spectrum for 7,500 satellites in the second-generation Starlink network. The goal is to bolster data transmissions between the company’s satellites and its “gateway” ground stations. In the application, SpaceX noted the E-band use has already paid off, with “demonstrable benefits and zero interference complaints.”

how it works

(Credit: Starlink.com)

“This combination of high capacity and efficient sharing makes this band particularly advantageous for backhaul use cases, such as high-capacity parabolic earth stations and resilient satellite backhaul for terrestrial networks,” the company says.

SpaceX isn’t asking the FCC to raise the 4,408-satellite cap on its first-generation constellation. Still, the same proposal requests permission to “reconfigure its satellite deployment more flexibly” for the first-generation network, increasing the maximum number of planes the satellites can occupy across the orbits.

“Since consumer demand for broadband is increasing and ever evolving, this flexibility to reconfigure satellites better allows the modified Gen1 system to efficiently deploy coverage and capacity where consumers need it most and adapt as needs change, rather than adhering to a fixed configuration over the life of the license that may not match real-world usage patterns,” the company explains.

Recommended by Our Editors

Starlink has been facing capacity constraints, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where the satellite network is oversubscribed. In response, the company is requiring new customers in parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to pay $1,000 extra to sign up for the Starlink residential plan. But in other parts of the US, where Starlink has excess capacity, SpaceX is offering significant discounts in an effort to drive user growth.

Over time, the company plans to add more capacity by harnessing even more radio bands and operating nearly 20,000 additional satellites—if it can secure approval from the FCC.

Like what you’re reading? Don’t miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.