{"id":354703,"date":"2025-08-18T17:42:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T17:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/354703\/"},"modified":"2025-08-18T17:42:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T17:42:15","slug":"spacexs-starlink-eyes-more-capacity-with-e-band-spectrum-request","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/354703\/","title":{"rendered":"SpaceX’s Starlink Eyes More Capacity With E-Band Spectrum Request"},"content":{"rendered":"

SpaceX is trying to expand Starlink’s capacity by tapping more radio spectrum across its first-generation satellite fleet.<\/p>\n

On Friday, the company filed<\/a> a request with the US Federal Communications Commission to add \u201cE-band\u201d radio frequencies, in the 71.0-76.0 GHz and 81.0-86.0 GHz ranges, to its first-generation Starlink constellation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If granted, the change promises to help first-generation Starlink satellites \u201cdeliver more capacity more quickly to more Americans, especially those in rural and other underserved areas,\u201d SpaceX says.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"e-band<\/p>\n

\n (Credit: SpaceX)\n<\/p>\n

\u201cSpecifically, complementing already authorized Ku- and Ka-band frequencies with E-band will enable SpaceX\u2019s Gen1 system to optimize its network architecture to provide higher speeds, lower latency, and even more reliable broadband coverage for consumers,\u201d the company adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last year, the FCC cleared<\/a> 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\u2019s satellites and its \u201cgateway\u201d ground stations. In the application, SpaceX noted the E-band use has already paid off, with \u201cdemonstrable benefits and zero interference complaints.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

\n (Credit: Starlink.com)\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThis 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,\u201d the company says.\u00a0<\/p>\n

SpaceX isn\u2019t asking the FCC to raise the 4,408-satellite cap on its first-generation constellation. Still, the same proposal requests permission to \u201creconfigure its satellite deployment more flexibly\u201d for the first-generation network, increasing the maximum number of planes the satellites can occupy across the orbits.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cSince 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,\u201d the company explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Recommended by Our Editors<\/p>\n

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<\/a> 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<\/a> in an effort to drive user growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Over time, the company plans to add more capacity by\u00a0harnessing<\/a>\u00a0even more radio bands and operating nearly 20,000 additional satellites\u2014if it can secure approval from the FCC.<\/p>\n

Like what you’re reading? Don’t miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag<\/a> as a preferred source on Google.<\/p>\n

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\"PCMag<\/p>\n

5 Things to Know About Starlink Satellite Internet<\/p>\n

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