Satellite operator Iridium is asking the FCC to block SpaceX from deploying new stations for Starlink gateways tied to its plan to upgrade Starlink to gigabit speeds, arguing the stations risk causing radio interference with Iridium’s own satellite facilities.
In a letter filed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filed Monday, an attorney for Iridium said the company’s simulations, though not yet complete, indicate that SpaceX Starlink gateways located closest to the satellite operator’s ground stations would produce interference exceeding permissible limits by “a wide margin.”
For Musk’s SpaceX, faster spacecraft can carry more data, but that capacity only matters if ground infrastructure can put information into orbit without disrupting networks that use the same spectrum.
Ground Infrastructure Becomes Starlink’s Next Challenge
In April, SpaceX asked the FCC to approve a next generation Starlink gigabit gateway in Bastrop, Texas. The request included the 19.4 to 19.6 gigahertz (GHz) and 29.1 to 29.3 GHz bands.
Iridium uses those frequencies for feeder links connecting its satellites with ground facilities. It argues that some proposed Starlink gateways could interfere with those links.
Now, Iridium is asking the Commission’s regulators to deny SpaceX’s use of the 19.4-19.6 GHz and 29.1 to 29.3 GHz bands across 28 pending gateway applications. The argument on Iridium’s end is that SpaceX has not coordinated with the satellite operator or demonstrated its operations would not cause unacceptable interference.
SpaceX is preparing its Starlink V3 satellite platform as a major step beyond the current generation. The larger spacecraft is expected to carry far more capacity, pushing Starlink closer to fiber-like performance.
Higher Starlink V3 satellite internet speeds also depend on Earth, and data must move from terrestrial networks to ground facilities, then to satellites and customer dishes.
A bottleneck anywhere in that path can reduce the speed users receive, makingthe Starlink gigabit gateway a critical part of the upgrade. Gateway facilities connect the Starlink constellation with internet infrastructure on Earth, moving traffic between terrestrial networks and satellites.
SpaceX already operates more than 100 Starlink gateways in the US, comprising a total of 1,500+ antennas. It now wants newer sites that can use additional frequencies and carry more traffic.
Iridium uses those frequencies for feeder links connecting its satellites with ground facilities. It argues that some proposed Starlink gateways could interfere with those links.
“Although Iridium has not completed its assessment, it can tell from the results so far that the SpaceX gateways closest to Iridium’s gateways would produce interference that exceeds by a wide margin the maximum permissible levels,” Iridium told the FCC.
“Put another way, a fair number of SpaceX’s gateways would cause unacceptable interference.”
On top of it, Iridium claims that Section 25.203(k) of the Commission’s rules require that SpaceX coordinates those operations with Iridium or demonstrates that the operations will not cause unacceptable interference.
“SpaceX has done neither, and its applications are therefore facially deficient,” said Iridium .
SpaceX rejects that conclusion, saying the planned Starlink gateway ground stations can operate safely because distance and atmospheric signal loss reduce the chance of harmful interference.
“SpaceX’s proposed earth station site in Bastrop, TX, is over 1,400 kilometers away from Iridium’s closest feeder link stations in Chandler and Tempe, Arizona. At this distance, geographical separation and atmospheric attenuation preclude any potential risk of unacceptable interference,” Matthew Turk, SpaceX satellite policy associate, told the FCC.
Spectrum Fight Matters for Gigabit Starlink
The dispute is the latest in a series of spectrum fights between SpaceX and incumbent satellite operators.
In April, the FCC denied a broader set of requests from SpaceX, Kepler, Sateliot, and AST SpaceMobile to open additional spectrum bands already used by Iridium and Globalstar for mobile satellite services.
It’s worth noting that Iridium and Globalstar have separately petitioned the agency to deny or restrict SpaceX’s proposed use of “Big LEO” bands. This specific dispute matters because Starlink gigabit satellite internet 2026 depends on more than improved satellites. SpaceX also needs enough spectrum and ground capacity to carry the larger amount of data its next-generation constellation is designed to handle.
Another Starlink V3 satellite can add capacity in orbit, helping SpaceX serve more users and reduce congestion. But that added capacity needs matching connections on the ground.
The promised Starlink V3 satellite internet speeds could be limited if gateway links become crowded, or regulators restrict access to key frequencies. The network is only as fast as its weakest connection.
Each Starlink gigabit gateway forms part of that backbone. Even though, customers may never see these facilities, they are essential to moving traffic between fiber networks and Starlink satellites.
For users, gigabit speed satellite service could make Starlink more useful for video calls, cloud work, large downloads, and connected homes. It could also pressure cable and fiber providers in rural markets.
Virginia-based Shentel has responded to Starlink’s growth by promoting cable as an alternative. It still acknowledges that Starlink has made high-speed internet available in places that once had few or no broadband options.
The FCC debate highlights the technical cost of expansion. As SpaceX adds more Starlink gateways, it must share limited radio spectrum with established satellite systems.
The decision could influence how quickly SpaceX builds the ground capacity needed for faster service. Ultimately, another generation of more Starlink gateways will matter almost as much as the satellites themselves: gigabit Starlink requires capacity in orbit, strong ground links and careful spectrum coordination.
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