SpaceX received Federal Communications Commission approval Thursday for a plan to deliver broadband internet using satellites.
The company launched last month its first test prototype satellites, known as Tintin A and B. The full plan calls for 4,425 satellites that will provide low-cost satellite internet service around the world.
“Although we still have much to do with this complex undertaking, this is an important step toward SpaceX building a next-generation satellite network that can link the globe with reliable and affordable broadband service, especially reaching those who are not yet connected,” SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement.
SpaceX is calling the constellation “Starlink.” They will begin deploying satellites next year and the system will be operational once it hits 800 satellites.
Over the past year, the FCC has approved requests by OneWeb, Space Norway, and Telesat to
access the U.S. market to provide broadband services using satellite technology.