Viasat's New Satellite Faces Interference Claims From SpaceX

Viasat's F2 satellite has entered service, promising enhanced internet speeds across the Americas, including for commercial aviation and eventually residential users in the United States. This high-orbiting satellite is designed to deliver download speeds of 100Mbps or higher.

However, a significant dispute has arisen with SpaceX, which has petitioned the FCC to prevent the F2 satellite from operating in the US market. SpaceX contends that the F2 satellite's intended use of specific radio spectrum bands, which Starlink has utilized for years, poses a risk of "downlink interference" to American consumers.

SpaceX's VP for satellite policy, David Goldman, has urged regulators to reconsider their approval, citing Viasat's alleged lack of coordination with existing low-Earth orbit systems. Viasat, in response, has filed with the FCC to dismiss SpaceX's protests, asserting that SpaceX's claims are unsubstantiated and that the F2 satellite's license permits use of shared bands only after coordination.

Currently, Viasat offers residential plans with speeds typically around 42Mbps and high latency, while SpaceX's Starlink provides over 100Mbps with lower latency at a comparable or lower monthly cost.