Space Race Heats Up: Starlink vs. Viasat Satellite Clash

SpaceX is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke market access for Viasat's new Viasat-3 F2 satellite. The satellite internet provider claims the Viasat-3 F2, set to offer speeds exceeding 100 Mbps to the Americas, will cause significant interference to SpaceX's Starlink service. SpaceX alleges Viasat has failed to coordinate on preventing radio interference within shared spectrum bands, a process required by its license.

According to SpaceX, Viasat has had over five years to complete the necessary coordination but has made no meaningful attempts. SpaceX's VP of satellite policy, David Goldman, stated that Viasat's own analysis indicates its satellite could cause interference to Starlink approximately one-third of the time. Amazon has also raised similar concerns with the FCC regarding coordination issues for its own Project Kuiper satellite internet service.

The FCC had granted Viasat-3 F2 US market access on the condition that it reach coordination agreements with other low-Earth orbit satellite providers. However, SpaceX claims Viasat has consistently failed and refused to cooperate. The FCC's approval explicitly states Viasat must cease operations in the contested frequency bands until compliance is notified, potentially derailing the F2 satellite's launch.