Amazon is asking the FCC to deny a SpaceX plan to develop a
second-generation Starlink network, claiming it breaks the regulator’s rules
on satellite deployment.
Amazon's protest letter comes as the company is developing its own satellite
internet system called Project Kuiper, which has yet to take off.
Starlink, on the other hand, is already serving 100,000 users across the
globe through 1,700 satellites in orbit. The network is currently delivering
download speeds from 50Mbps to 150Mbps or higher. But to improve coverage
and upgrade speeds, SpaceX is seeking FCC clearance to operate a
second-generation Starlink network comprising nearly 30,000
satellites.
Amazon claims the plan is too broad and speculative, and thus breaks the
FCC’s rules on applying for satellite deployments. The e-commerce giant
notes that SpaceX’s application for the second-generation network seeks
permission for not just one, but two configurations to align the 30,000
Starlink satellites.
SpaceX only intends on using one configuration during the actual deployment.
The company's FCC application also notes the second proposed configuration
is meant to serve as a backup. Nevertheless, Amazon isn't onboard with the
justifications.
“SpaceX's novel approach of applying for two mutually exclusive
configurations is at odds with both the Commission’s rules and public policy
and we urge the Commission to dismiss this amendment,” Amazon says in the
letter. “The Commission’s rules require that SpaceX settle the details of
its proposed amendment before filing its application—not after.”
As a result, Amazon is calling on the FCC to dismiss the plan in its current
form. According to Amazon, relaxing the rules risks encouraging SpaceX and
other companies to seek clearance for “speculative” applications that try to
lock in access for various satellite configurations.
“Other prospective licensees will surely see the benefit in maximizing their
optionality by describing multiple configurations in their license
applications,” Amazon adds. “The Commission must guard against this outcome
by insisting that SpaceX adhere to the well settled framework under Part
25—namely, that licensees submit an application for a single system.”
SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, the
company provided two configurations because the first one relies on the
still under-development Starship craft to deliver the Starlink satellites.
The second configuration taps existing Falcon 9 reusable rockets.
“Under either configuration, the revised Gen2 System will further optimize
service to customers and better meet demand for low-latency,
high-bandwidth broadband services, especially in underserved and
unserved areas, all while using slightly fewer satellites,” SpaceX says.
The letter comes shortly after former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos
slammed NASA
for giving SpaceX a lunar landing contract over his own spaceflight company,
Blue Origin.
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