The US FCC authorizes SpaceX to provide mobile Internet services for aircraft, vehicles and other vehicles

July 1st news, local time on Thursday, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized SpaceX to provide Starlink satellite Internet services for aircraft, ships, vehicles and other vehicles in operation, which means that SpaceX can provide consumers and businesses. Mobile Internet services are a key step for SpaceX to further expand Starlink services.

Tom Sullivan, head of the FCC’s international division, wrote in the authorization document released Thursday: “Authorizing the SpaceX satellite system to provide a new type of customer terminal will expand broadband Internet service to meet the growing needs of users for mobile networks. Whether it’s a consumer RV driving across the country, a corporate freighter traveling from Europe to a U.S. port, or a domestic and international flight, the service is available.”

Starlink is a low-Earth orbit satellite network built by SpaceX to provide high-speed Internet services around the world. SpaceX has launched about 2,700 Starlink satellites, and the base price for the service is $110 per month. SpaceX previously told the FCC that as of May this year, the Starlink service had more than 400,000 users.

SpaceX has signed early agreements with commercial airlines to prepare for this authorization. The company previously signed deals with Hawaiian Airlines and private jet charter provider JSX to provide Wi-Fi internet access onboard. So far, SpaceX has been approved for limited flight tests, and the company believes the aviation Wi-Fi market is “ripe for disruption.”

SpaceX asked last year to expand beyond just serving fixed end users. The FCC’s authorization of Starlink services also covers transportation such as ships, trailers, and recreational vehicles. SpaceX has already launched a service called RV Starlink, and charges an additional fee for the “portability” service. But portability and mobility are two concepts, and the FCC’s authorization allows Starlink to serve mobile users.

But the FCC also imposes conditions on Mobile Starlink services. SpaceX is required to “accept any interference from current and future authorized services,” and further investment in Starlink entails “taking the risk that operations may be restricted by additional conditions or requirements from the FCC.”

Additionally, the mandate does not resolve regulatory disputes between SpaceX and wireless internet service providers such as Dish Network and RS Access. These companies are fighting for the right to use the 12GHz band. The FCC continues to analyze whether the band can support both terrestrial wireless communications as well as satellite communications services, and SpaceX is urging the regulator to make a ruling soon.