FCC Proposes Major Overhaul of Satellite Internet Regulations

• •FCC to vote on modernizing satellite spectrum-sharing rules on April 30, 2026.
• •Proposed changes could increase satellite capacity by up to seven-fold and lower costs.
• •The initiative aims to unlock over $2 billion in economic benefits for consumers.

The FCC is set to vote on April 30, 2026, to modernize satellite spectrum-sharing rules, which could significantly enhance satellite internet speeds and lower costs for consumers. The proposed order aims to replace outdated Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) rules from the 1990s, allowing for greater capacity and efficiency in low-Earth orbit satellite operations, particularly benefiting SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Leo. The changes are expected to unlock over $2 billion in economic benefits and increase satellite capacity by up to seven-fold. The FCC's proposal encourages good-faith coordination between geostationary and non-geostationary satellite operators to negotiate interference protections. The revisions are anticipated to improve service quality, especially in rural areas, where high-speed internet has been limited. This initiative follows a year of lobbying by SpaceX, which has already received a temporary waiver to exceed current power limits. The FCC's decision could lead to a more competitive satellite internet market, benefiting approximately 10 million Starlink customers globally.