Satellite broadband enters a new phase. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced the approval of a major licensing plan, allowing Space Exploration Holdings to build, deploy, and operate an additional 7,500 second-generation satellites, bringing its total global satellite count to 15,000.

What does this mean? Simply put, the capability for high-speed, low-latency global network coverage will see a significant leap. The new satellites utilize more advanced designs and technologies, capable of operating simultaneously across Ku-, Ka-, V-, E-, and W-bands, supporting both fixed satellite services and mobile satellite services.

More interestingly, the FCC has also exempted some outdated operational restrictions, allowing beam overlap coverage and capacity enhancements, while adding orbital layers at altitudes of 340 to 485 kilometers. These seemingly technical details actually bring substantial improvements to users in remote areas and mobile communication experiences.

Of particular note is the ability to connect directly to mobile phones. Outside the United States, users will be able to connect directly to satellite-linked mobile devices; within the US, this technology will be used to supplement coverage. This paves the way for the development of next-generation mobile services.

From a commercial perspective, this approval reflects a focus on investing in global connectivity infrastructure. Whether in remote mountainous regions, maritime fleets, or mobile users, there will be opportunities to access more stable and higher-speed networks. For applications that rely on stable connections—such as remote financial transactions, data transmission, or IoT device communication—this infrastructure upgrade is a tangible benefit.

FCC’s decision has received support and cooperation from the Department of Commerce and the national telecommunications authorities. It is foreseeable that, as satellite network capacity and coverage expand, the global communication landscape will undergo new changes. For the Web3 ecosystem, a stable, globalized network infrastructure is also an important foundation for long-term healthy development.