SpaceX Internet Is One Step Closer To Reality, Satellite Launch Backed By FCC Chair

Elon Musk’s private space agency, SpaceX has been considering launching satellites into space with the main goal of delivering high-speed broadband internet connection. This ambition is now one step closer to becoming a reality with the Federal Communications Commission’s chair Ajit Pai giving the project his support. There’s still the matter of the actual approval, of course, but this development is encouraging.

Pai basically proposed to the FCC’s commissioners that they approve the plan by SpaceX to start beaming down fast internet service from space. Once approved, Musk’s company will join three international entities that were given the same treatment, Bloomberg reports.

“To bridge America’s digital divide, we’ll have to use innovative technologies,” an email from Pai reads. “Satellite technology can help reach Americans who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fiber optic cables and cell towers do not reach.”

This move comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s infrastructure proposal, which includes broadband as being eligible for funding from the government. What’s more, many legislators have been pushing for faster internet in rural areas of the U.S., which have largely been devoid of good options in terms of where they will get their internet connection from.

As USA Today reports, the simple fact that Pai has approved the project will likely mean that will be approved by the FCC in due course. If so, this development could lead to Americans living in rural areas getting a wider coverage in terms of broadband internet, thus leading to more residents having more options or even just an internet connection.

As for SpaceX, the company hopes that its own service will eventually rack up around 40 million subscribers. If this happens, it could accumulate $30 billion in revenue in 2025.