FCC lets Starlink offer Internet service on moving vehicles throughout US
SpaceX has secured US approval to provide Starlink satellite Internet service on moving vehicles, ships, and airplanes. In an order released Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission granted SpaceX's application to operate consumer and enterprise Earth stations in motion (ESIM) throughout the US.
The FCC also approved a request from Kepler Communications to operate ESIMs on ships. Starlink and Kepler will be allowed to provide service on vessels in US territorial waters and international waters.
Starlink offers a service for RVs but says it isn't designed to be used while the vehicles are moving. A version for moving RVs will presumably be offered at some point now that SpaceX has received the FCC approval, which says "SpaceX is authorized to operate Earth Stations In Motion on vehicles throughout the United States." SpaceX is also planning to provide Starlink Internet on flights.
The order issued by the FCC's International Bureau said granting the applications "will serve the public interest by enabling SpaceX and Kepler to offer expanded broadband capabilities and serve unserved and underserved areas."
