SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites – for 100x the bandwidth

SpaceX has applied to the FCC for permission to launch 100,000 third-generation Starlink satellites, promising to deliver gigabit-speed internet with ultra-low latency—a massive expansion from the nearly 11,000 satellites currently in orbit. While the expansion could significantly improve rural broadband access, current Starlink speeds fall far short of advertised peak rates, with real-world speeds typically in the 145-170 Mbps range. The heavier Gen3 satellites will require SpaceX's more powerful Falcon Heavy or Starship rockets to deploy, and the company envisions the network serving consumers, enterprises, governments, and AI devices globally.