SpaceX Seeks FCC License to Expand Broadband Satellite Service to Users in Moving Vehicles

SpaceX has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission seeking a blanket license to operate Earth Stations in Motion equipment that will communicate with its Starlink satellite constellation, SpaceNews reported Monday.

David Goldman, director of satellite policy at SpaceX, said in the application ESIMs are “electrically identical” to previously certified end-user Earth stations and are equipped with mountings to support the installation of the equipment on vehicles, aircraft and vessels.

According to the FCC filing, the new application is similar to the blanket license SpaceX’s services arm has in order to operate up to a million end-user earth stations that communicate with its non-geostationary orbit satellite system. The company has launched over 1,100 satellites for Starlink to date.

“Granting this application would serve the public interest by authorizing a new class of ground-based components for SpaceX’s satellite system that will expand the range of broadband capabilities available to moving vehicles throughout the United States and to moving vessels and aircraft worldwide,” the regulatory filing reads.