April 27, 20219:22 PM UTC Technology U.S. FCC approves SpaceX satellite deployment plan Reuters David Shepardson 3 minute read 1/2
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) logo is seen before the FCC Net Neutrality hearing in Washington February 26, 2015. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo
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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on Tuesday it had voted to approve a SpaceX plan to deploy some Starlink satellites at a lower earth orbit than planned as part of its push to offer space-based broadband internet.
Elon Musk's SpaceX had asked the FCC for approval to fly 2,824 satellites at a lower orbit as part of the plan to provide high-speed broadband internet services to people who currently lack access.
The change in altitude would improve space safety, reduce power flux density emissions to improve the interference environment and lower "elevation angles to improve the customer experience," SpaceX told the FCC.