### SpaceX Proposes Enhancements to Boost Starlink Speeds to 1Gbps

SpaceX is making strides towards enhancing its Starlink satellite system to deliver gigabit-per-second broadband service. In a recent application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on October 11, the company outlined a series of updates aimed at accomplishing this goal. The modifications, referred to as "small-but-meaningful," are designed to improve the Gen2 system, enabling high-speed, low-latency broadband and extensive mobile connectivity for users in the United States and around the globe.

One notable change involves altering the altitudes of Starlink satellites. SpaceX is proposing to lower the satellites from their current heights of 525 km, 530 km, and 535 km to new altitudes of 480 km, 485 km, and 475 km, respectively. This reconfiguration aims to increase the number of potential orbital planes and satellites per plane without exceeding the approved total of 29,988 second-generation satellites. So far, the FCC has approved 7,500 of these Gen2 satellites.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, highlighted the potential benefits of this approach, noting that the next generation of Starlink satellites would significantly increase bandwidth and reduce latency due to the lower altitude. Musk indicated that only the company's Starship rockets, due to their size, could launch these enhanced satellites.

SpaceX's application also requests a reduction in the minimum elevation angle for satellites operating between 400 and 500 km altitude—from 25 degrees to 20 degrees. This change is expected to improve network performance by allowing satellites to connect with earth stations for longer periods as they pass overhead, thereby enhancing customer connectivity.

Furthermore, the new Gen2 satellites will feature upgraded hardware to utilize advanced beamforming and digital processing technologies. This, SpaceX argues, will provide more robust and targeted coverage for American consumers. The company is also seeking more flexible use of spectrum licenses to accommodate both mobile and home Internet services, requesting the use of Ka-, V-, and E-band frequencies for dual purposes where permitted.

SpaceX's application includes additional changes beyond those initially requested, such as upgrades to orbital shells below 400 km and the use of frequencies not previously mentioned. Despite the proposed enhancements, the application must still undergo FCC scrutiny, as previous claims regarding the system's capabilities have faced skepticism and opposition from other satellite operators and mobile carriers.

Earlier this year, the FCC denied SpaceX's application to use certain spectrum bands, and in 2022, it rejected an $886 million funding application for broadband expansion, citing doubts about Starlink's low-latency service consistency. SpaceX must now prove that the latest changes will not adversely impact other spectrum users to win FCC approval.

As SpaceX continues to refine its Starlink system, the company remains committed to addressing the concerns of the FCC and other stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of providing high-speed, low-latency broadband service to consumers worldwide.