Musk wins FCC approval for mobile services
July 4, 2022
By Chris Forrester
Elon Musk’s Starlink broadband-by-satellite system can now be used for caravans, RVs, boat and aircraft operators thanks to the FCC’s decision to approve access to mobile services.
“Authorising a new class of 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, whether driving an RV across the country, moving a freighter from Europe to a US port, or while on a domestic or international flight,” the FCC said in its ruling.
Individual users will have to pay an extra $25 a month for their mobile access although Starlink says that private users – while on the move – cannot yet be served despite the FCC’s permissions.
“While our teams are actively working to make it possible to use Starlink on moving vehicles, Starlink is not yet configured to be safely used in this way,” states Starlink which has not yet indicated when true ‘on the move’ flexibility will be allowed.
However, commercial ships and aircraft can now be served. Starlink already has an agreement with Hawaiian Airlines which signed up to a corporate deal with the Musk company in April for broadband services to some of its aircraft.