FCC authorizes a separate direct-to-device constellation

The event

6 Oct 2026

Turning point

Ruling

FCC authorizes a separate direct-to-device constellation

The FCC granted conditional permission for 15,000 direct-to-device satellites. This is separate from January’s Gen2 broadband authorization. The order still described reconsideration petitions concerning the 2022 Gen2 grant as pending.

FCC Space Bureau and Wireless Telecommunications Open event

Sources and context

DA 26-1078: SpaceX direct-to-device constellation authorizationRegulatory record · FCC Space Bureau and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Sources for this event

DA 26-1078: SpaceX direct-to-device constellation authorization FCC Space Bureau and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Before · 9 Jan 2026
FCC increases Gen2 authorization to 15,000 satellitesAfter · 22 Oct 2026
SpaceX reports 13.6 million consumer service lines

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