SpaceX’s Starlink is a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) that provides broadband internet and satellite direct-to-device services. SpaceX is currently authorised by the FCC to launch 4,408 Gen1 and 15,000 Gen2 satellites. In May 2026, the FCC approved SpaceX’s acquisition of EchoStar's 10 MHz of nationwide H-Block spectrum,… Read more...

In the wake of potential FCC investigations and forfeitures, in 2025, Echostar sold the majority of its spectrum portfolio to AT&T and SpaceX. As a result of the transactions, Echostar’s Boost Mobile will operate as a hybrid cloud-native mobile network, and its subscribers will have access to SpaceX’s direct-to-device services.… Read more...

Microsoft has a "multi-technology and multi-frequency approach" which translates to interests in spectrum across a wide range of bands. Microsoft is also a strong supporter of unlicensed and shared spectrum policies. In February 2026, Microsoft announced a new collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink combining low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity with community-based deployment… Read more...

SpaceX’s Starlink continues its aggressive LEO fleet expansion with over 6,000 operational satellites in orbit, over 3 million subscribers and a presence in 99 countries, with the list of national authorisations to provide services continuing to grow. SpaceX urges regulators to preserve satellite access to established Ku- and Ka-band frequencies… Read more...

Our third iteration of PolicyTracker’s LEO Tracker reveals how the trends we first identified 18 months ago are now amplified: the importance of state investment and subsidy, the growing number of MNO partnerships and a continued flow of sectoral investment. Read more...

Regulators are beginning to tackle the controversial practice of re-using terrestrial spectrum for satellite direct-to-handset services. In terms of spectrum-related priorities, satellite firms have successfully held a 12 GHz reallocation in the US, while they fight to keep mobile out of the 6 GHz band going into WRC-23. Read more...

Lynk is developing a satellite-direct-to-phone service that re-uses terrestrial spectrum to enhance coverage. Despite global regulatory uncertainty about this strategy, the company recently received a commercial licence to launch its service outside of the US. Read more...

Now present in 54 countries, Starlink is a high-speed, low-latency broadband network using NGSO LEOs to provide broadband connectivity globally. Starlink satellites are using spectrum resources in the Ka- Ku- and V-bands. Starlink also has plans to use E-Band spectrum for communications between satellites and gateways and V2 Mini satellites.… Read more...

There is a large amount of traction in the satellite space with geostationary satellite operators moving into lower orbits and a raft of new and planned low-Earth-orbit constellations envisaging hundreds of thousands of new satellites orbiting the skies. These plans are being orchestrated through both inter-industry tie-ups and new operator… Read more...

Starlink is a high-speed, low latency broadband network using NGSO LEOs to provide broadband connectivity globally. Starlink launched its first satellites in May 2019, with the ultimate goal of a constellation of close to 42,000. Starlink satellites are using spectrum resources in the Ka- Ku- and V-bands. Starlink also has… Read more...