Hyperdrive
Elon Musk's Broadband-From-Space Plan Clears Crucial U.S. Hurdle
- FCC chief Pai backs SpaceX new method of internet service
- SpaceX had requested authority to deploy 4,425 satellites
Outer Space Is About to Get a Whole Lot Closer
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Elon Musk’s SpaceX moved closer to another orbital frontier as regulators advanced its application to launch a low-orbit constellation of satellites and join a jostling field of operators trying to cash in on broadband service from space.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai on Wednesday recommended the agency approve Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s application to provide broadband services using satellite technologies in the U.S. and on a global basis. The proposal now goes to Pai’s four fellow commissioners for consideration at the agency which earlier approved three international operators for satellite-broadband operations: OneWeb, Space Norway AS and Telesat Canada.