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A recent report from PC Mag reveals that SpaceX’ Starlink is looking to expand its satellite cellular provision services. To do this, the firm is looking to launch over 15,000 satellites into orbit.
SpaceX’s Purchase Of EchoStar Spectrum Fuelling Need For More Satellites
A few days ago, SpaceX purchased EchoStar wireless spectrum, giving the space firm room for the expansion of its business. On 19 September 2025, SpaceX filed a request with the FCC, revealing its desire to launch additional satellites that will put the newly acquired radio spectrum to use.
According to SpaceX, “This new system of up to 15,000 satellites will provide ubiquitous connectivity to ordinary mobile handsets and a range of other devices and user terminals.” If this request to the FCC is approved, SpaceX will be able to provide satellite connectivity to users in cellular dead zones.
Already, SpaceX’s existing service is doing a remarkable job providing service to areas with little to no connectivity. However, with access to EchoStar’s spectrum, the space firm believes that it can improve its system performance by 20-fold. This new satellite system, which will consist of 15,000 satellites, will be Low- and Very Low Earth Orbit satellites.
SpaceX Starlink Will Aim To Reduce Latency
From available reports, it is clear that Starlink is aiming to orbit its next-generation satellites closer to the Earth. This constellation of satellites will orbit between 326km and 335km while using EchoStar’s radio spectrum.
By orbiting at such low altitudes, the coming satellites might be able to reduce latency when connecting with mobile devices. Working with ground-based equipment, this coming constellation might just improve Starlink performance in various regions.
There is currently no timeframe for when to expect this new constellation to be put to use. Elon Musk has pointed out that it’ll take about two years before support for EchoStar’s radio spectrum will become usable by mobile devices.
Also, there is no word that the FCC has approved SpaceX’s request to launch its next-generation satellite constellation. However, more details on the space firm’s request will be made available over the course of the coming months.