The action, approved in a 5-0 vote by the commission announced Thursday, is the first approval of a U.S.-licensed satellite constellation to deliver fast internet service, the agency said in an emailed news release.
Satellites can help extend broadband to Americans who live in remote or hard-to-serve places where fiber-optic cables and cell towers don’t reach, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in February.
Politicians have called for improved internet service in rural areas. President Donald Trump’s infrastructure proposal lists broadband as eligible for funding, alongside traditional projects like roads and bridges.
The FCC said it earlier approved three international operators for satellite-broadband operations: OneWeb, Space Norway AS, and Telesat Canada.
For large broadband constellations to deliver services in the U.S., the FCC must approve their operations to ensure that the satellites don’t interfere with other uses, and will operate in a way that lowers the risk of collisions.
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