SpaceX to Deploy Starlink Aboard U.S. School Buses, Shows Filing

Photo: SpaceX

A new filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shows SpaceX plans for the newest mobile application of its Starlink satellite internet.

SpaceX is set to deploy Starlink internet aboard some school buses in the U.S., as seen in a new filing with the FCC this week (via Teslarati).

The letter is addressed to FCC Secretary Marlene Dortch, showing the company’s support in funding schools through the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism (E-Rate program), which is connecting millions of students to the internet.

The filing shows that SpaceX is focused on providing the satellite internet option for those on school bus routes over an hour each way and in areas where other mobile broadband options aren’t available.

“SpaceX is committed to ensuring access to high-speed, low-latency broadband service to benefit American students as quickly as possible, not only at home but on their way to and from school,” SpaceX wrote in the letter to the FCC. “In fact, SpaceX has prioritized connecting otherwise unserved schools and libraries in the most remote parts of the country, including on Tribal lands.”

The news comes just a few weeks after the FCC revoked almost $900 million in subsidies for SpaceX’s Starlink, to which the company responded by demanding the funds be reinstated.