SpaceX Starlink’s Internet Satellite Gets FCC Approval To Be Used on Vehicles in Motion

SpaceX Starlink's internet satellite finally gets Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorization to be used on vehicles while they are in motion. The FCC authorization potentially allows the Elon Musk-owned firm to offer its services to more customers.

SpaceX Starlink Internet Satellite

It is worth noting that Starlink launched its services to owners of recreational vehicles (RVs) last May. It officially allowed its customers to stuff an internet satellite dish on top of their trailer.

But the odd part is that Starlink for RV users could not use the low latency internet service while their vehicle is in motion.

SpaceX said its internet service would be inactive when the RV starts rolling its wheels to prevent users from using it while in motion.

That said, the Starlink for RV still limits the internet services of Starlink to fixed locations. Although it allows the terminal to be used in a more portable manner, it still fails to be mobile.

Starlink Internet Satellite Gets FCC Authorization

But this time, everything is about to change as the FCC has formally granted the Musk-led space firm to provide satellite internet services even while vehicles are in motion.

So, it turns out that SpaceX was just waiting for an FCC approval.

The approval from the FCC means to say that the Commission is finally allowing Starlink internet satellites to be used on various vehicles, such as cars and trucks, as per a news story by The Verge.

However, the authorization is not limited to land transportation. It also approves Starlink internet on boats and airplanes while moving.

The Verge reports that SpaceX filed its Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) request to the FCC last March 2021, which seeks to allow Starlink internet terminals to provide services even as vehicles are in motion.

FCC Starlink Authorization

And after more than a year since the firm filed it, the FCC has finally granted the request of SpaceX to give Starlink internet services more mobility.

According to a recent report by CNBC, the International Bureau Chief of the FCC, Tom Sullivan, said that the authorization suits the demands of internet users these days.

"Authorizing a new class of [customer] terminals for SpaceX's satellite system will expand the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing user demands that now require connectivity while on the move," he syas.

On top of that, Sullivan further notes that it allows Starlink to provide its services on domestic or international flights, ships, and even on a moving RV.

Meanwhile, as exciting as this may sound, SpaceX has yet to respond to the recent FCC authorization.