FCC Chair Advocates for Increased Competition Against SpaceX’s Starlink Unit, According to Reuters

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON – Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel expressed a desire for increased competition to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service during a recent conference.

Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s company, currently controls nearly two-thirds of all active satellites and has launched around 7,000 satellites since 2018. Rosenworcel noted that this dominance in satellite traffic limits the benefits to the economy, stating, “Our economy doesn’t benefit from monopolies. So we’ve got to invite many more space actors in, many more companies that can develop constellations and innovations in space.”

Musk recently stated that Starlink is expected to handle over 90% of all space-based internet traffic in the coming year. In response, Rosenworcel emphasized the need for competition in the communications market, highlighting that such competition leads to lower prices and greater innovation. She pointed out that the same principles should apply in the space sector.

The FCC is actively working to assist new entrants in navigating the licensing process, with an emphasis on outreach to potential new players in the space economy. Rosenworcel acknowledged the importance of this outreach as a crucial part of their continued efforts.

In an earlier development, the FCC reaffirmed its decision to deny Starlink $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies last year. The commission cited Starlink’s inability to meet fundamental program requirements and its failure to demonstrate the promised level of service after SpaceX challenged the ruling. The funding was originally rescinded in August 2022 after it was determined, based on speed-test data, that Starlink had not met its commitment to provide high-speed internet service to 642,000 rural homes and businesses across 35 states.