SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded by Elon Musk, has set its sights on expanding the broadband capacity of its Starlink satellite internet service in the United Kingdom. 

The initiative involves seeking approval from Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, for a variation of its existing gateway licence. The proposed expansion aims to bolster Starlink’s capabilities by increasing the number of gateway antennas at several sites across the UK. 

This enhancement would enable Starlink’s mega constellation of ultrafast broadband satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to cater to the growing demand for high-speed internet services, particularly in rural areas where traditional infrastructure may be lacking.

As the demand for high-speed internet connectivity continues to escalate globally, initiatives like SpaceX to enhance Starlink’s broadband capacity underscores the importance of a diversity of solutions to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable connectivity to underserved regions.

Currently, Starlink has a constellation of 5,874 LEO satellites orbiting the Earth at altitudes ranging from approximately 500 to 600 kilometres. The company plans to augment this network by deploying thousands more satellites by the end of 2027. 

Recommended reading

• Starlink Successfully Transmits Text Messages From Space
• Elon Musk to set up Starlink Broadband Base on Isle of Man
• New Threat Intelligence Report Shows Global DDoS Surge

In the UK, Starlink has garnered some traction, with customer numbers reaching 42,000 by the end of 2023, a notable increase from 13,000 in 2022.

SpaceX’s request to Ofcom involves adding a total of 24 antennas at Fawley, Wherstead, and Woodwalton, bringing the tally at each site to 32 antennas. Additionally, the company seeks to install 32 additional antennas at its Isle of Man site, raising the total there to 40 antennas. 

Ofcom has initiated a consultation process regarding SpaceX’s proposal, which is open for responses until May 31, 2024. The regulator’s initial assessment indicates that the proposed variation should not unduly impact other licensed non-geostationary orbiting services or fixed links operating in the same user frequencies.