The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai has proposed the approval of an application submitted by Space Exploration Holdings (SpaceX) to provide satellite-enabled internet broadband services worldwide.
The backing is based on a review of the application by engineering experts from FCC’s International Bureaus.
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If approved, SpaceX will be the first US-based company to receive permission for providing broadband services using low-Earth orbit satellites.
FCC previously approved requests by OneWeb, Space Norway, and Telesat to access the US market to provide broadband services using satellite technology that seeks to expand internet connectivity in remote and rural areas of the country.
Pai said: “To bridge America’s digital divide, we’ll have to use innovative technologies.
“SpaceX’s application, along with those of other satellite companies seeking licenses or access to the US market for non-geostationary satellite orbit systems, involves one such innovation. Satellite technology can help reach Americans who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fibre-optic cables and cell towers do not reach.
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By GlobalData“And it can offer more competition where terrestrial internet access is already available.”
SpaceX has received the latest approval following the successful launch of its Falcon Heavy rocket into space last week.
The rocket carried a Tesla Roadster sports car during the launch.
