(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
After months of waiting, SpaceX has received partial clearance from the Federal Communications Commission to start deploying the company’s cellular Starlink system — but only to conduct short tests.
On Friday, the FCC decided to “grant in part, defer in part” the company’s application to operate the satellite service, which is being designed to beam connectivity to T-Mobile smartphones.
The FCC’s ruling authorizes SpaceX to “deploy a modified version of the previously authorized Gen2 Starlink satellites." However, the company is only receiving authorization so that it can verify the radios on the satellites work.
Specifically, SpaceX can operate the satellites “within the 1910-1915MHz and 1990-1995MHz bands for limited on-orbit check out of the antennas immediately following deployment of each satellite for a period of 10 days or less, to ensure initial functionality of the satellite antenna,” the FCC said.
(Credit: Starlink.com)The ruling also says SpaceX must prevent the communication tests from causing radio interference with other services. This includes coordinating with “any potentially affected operators” about performing the tests.
“In the event of any harmful interference during SpaceX’s limited on-orbit check out, SpaceX shall cease operations immediately upon notification of such interference, and shall inform the Commission, in writing, immediately of such an event,” the FCC added.
SpaceX still needs full FCC approval before it begins operating the cellular Starlink system for US consumers. The Commission signaled it deferred parts of the company’s application because SpaceX didn't complete a “Schedule S” form detailing the satellites' technical and operational specs. Instead, SpaceX requested a waiver, citing limitations in the Schedule C that prevent it from accurately describing certain aspects of the satellite technology.
An FCC spokesperson also told PCMag that any deferred parts of the application continue to face scrutiny from the Commission, although SpaceX can amend or supplement its filing with additional information.
SpaceX didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. But for months now, the company has been urging the US regulator for clearance to operate the cellular Starlink system. Last week, SpaceX filed a separate application to test the technology over 840 satellites starting as soon as next week, pending approval from the FCC.
However, the FCC has been hearing concerns from rival companies about the cellular Starlink system causing radio interference. Hence, it’s possible the Commission is trying to reach a middle ground as it continues to weigh granting full approval for SpaceX’s application.
The company is currently aiming to launch the cellular Starlink system to power satellite-based text messaging sometime next year.