FCC to Approve Satellite Power Increase, Boosting SpaceX’s Starlink in Broadband Race

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it will vote on April 30, 2026, to approve higher power limits for low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, a move expected to significantly enhance SpaceX’s Starlink broadband service. According to Zero Hedge, the updated rules will allow Starlink to improve internet speeds and reliability across rural and underserved regions, despite objections from geostationary satellite operators concerned about potential interference.

Simultaneously, Amazon is preparing to enter the LEO broadband market with its satellite internet service, Leo, scheduled for launch in mid-2026. CEO Andy Jassy informed shareholders that Amazon has secured revenue commitments from governments and enterprises, positioning Leo as a competitor to Starlink. The Verge reports that Amazon plans to begin an enterprise preview of Leo by the end of 2025, relying on partners like SpaceX for initial satellite deployment until its own New Glenn rocket is operational.

Leo aims to provide download speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, surpassing current Starlink speeds, according to Engadget. However, Amazon remains behind SpaceX in satellite deployment, with only 241 satellites in orbit so far, and has requested an extension from the FCC to meet regulatory milestones. The company’s satellite count and launch capabilities are crucial factors as it gears up for full service availability in mid-2026.

The increased power allowances for satellites approved by the FCC could reshape the competitive landscape for LEO broadband providers. Enhanced signal strength will not only boost Starlink’s capabilities but could also benefit new entrants like Amazon by improving the overall quality and reach of LEO internet services. Techdirt highlights that this regulatory environment is a battleground between industry giants Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, as both vie for dominance in satellite broadband.

The FCC’s upcoming decision will be pivotal in defining spectrum usage rules that balance innovation and interference concerns. Stakeholders and consumers will be watching carefully how these changes impact service rollout timelines, network performance, and competition, especially as broadband access expansion to underserved areas remains a key policy objective.