Wire · technology
FCC Approves SpaceX Tristar AWS-3 Spectrum Deal for Starlink
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Fusion42 · 24 October 2026 · Fusion42 review
The FCC approved SpaceX's acquisition of three AWS-3 spectrum licences from Tristar, enabling expansion of Starlink's direct-to-device service covering uplink signals in parts of eight US states. This expands SpaceX's spectrum footprint for its satellite-to-phone network with buildout requirements tying licence retention to service performance by November 2027.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Telecom & Connectivity, and 25 sources have reported it between 7 Oct 2026 and 24 Oct 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You can expect a growing opportunity in satellite-based mobile services as SpaceX secures broad spectrum rights with hard deadlines to prove coverage. This opens up routes to sell uplink tech and direct-to-device connectivity solutions before 2028.
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25 sources · first reported 7 Oct 2026 · latest 24 Oct 2026
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