FCC Approves SpaceX Plan to Deploy 15,000 Starlink Satellites

Key Facts

1The FCC approved SpaceX's plan to deploy 15,000 Starlink satellites for direct-to-device service.

2The federal agency waived a rule that requires a leasing agreement with a ground-based carrier.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved SpaceX's plan to deploy and operate 15,000 Starlink satellites for direct-to-device connectivity. Business Insider reported that the federal agency waived a rule requiring a leasing agreement with a ground-based carrier, streamlining the process for satellite-to-phone services.

SPCX closed at $171.92 on October 6, 2026, having reached a day high of $176.42 and a low of $171.39 during that session. The regulatory action allows SpaceX to utilize its own spectrum for the service, which the FCC stated is intended to improve competition and provide consumers with more choices for modern communication services.