A group of European telecommunications companies, including Vodafone, Telefonica, and Orange, are warning of potential legal action against SpaceX if the FCC allows its Starlink cellular system to exceed standard radio emission limits.
In a letter sent to the FCC, they expressed concerns over harmful interference with terrestrial networks, potentially degrading service quality and increasing costs.
The European telcos join US carriers like AT&T and Verizon in opposing SpaceX’s request for a waiver, which the company claims is necessary for providing reliable communication services, especially during emergencies.
SpaceX has already launched over 200 satellites and plans to begin beta testing its satellite-based text messaging service soon.
In contrast, AST SpaceMobile, backed by some of these same telecom companies, is developing its own satellite network and is preparing for a small-scale beta test. The legal threat underscores the growing tension between SpaceX and traditional telecom operators over the future of satellite-based cellular services.
