Satellite Internet Constellations: Starlink to Guowang — 2026-09-12
This week marked a significant regulatory milestone for satellite broadband in India, with the Digital Communications Commission approving spectrum allocation recommendations for Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio. Meanwhile, Eutelsat announced a €1 billion order to expand its OneWeb constellation, aiming to challenge Starlink's dominance in secure broadband, while Korean Air and Asiana Airlines prepared to launch free Starlink Wi-Fi on long-haul flights.
Satellite Internet Constellations: Starlink to Guowang — 2026-09-12
Top developments
India Approves Satellite Spectrum Allocation for Starlink and Rivals
On September 8, 2026, India's Digital Communications Commission (DCC) approved the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recommendations for satellite spectrum allocation. This decision brings SpaceX’s Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Reliance Jio closer to launching commercial satellite internet services in the country. The approval allows for a five-year spectrum allocation period with a 5% AGR-based fee structure, addressing previous regulatory hurdles that had delayed market entry.
Eutelsat Orders €1 Billion in Airbus Satellites to Expand OneWeb
Eutelsat has placed a €1 billion order with Airbus to expand its OneWeb low-Earth-orbit constellation. This strategic move aims to bolster global secure broadband services and compete more effectively against Starlink’s massive footprint. The expansion is part of Europe’s broader effort to maintain sovereignty in space communications and bridge the gap with US-based mega-constellations as the IRIS² program approaches.
Korean Air and Asiana Launch Free Starlink Wi-Fi on Sept 15
Starting September 15, 2026, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will offer free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on selected international long-haul flights. The service will initially be available on Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350 fleets, marking a major shift in Asian aviation connectivity. This move positions Korean carriers as leaders in adopting next-generation in-flight connectivity, potentially pressuring other global airlines to accelerate their own Starlink integrations.
T-Mobile CFO Dismisses Starlink’s Urban Cellular Ambitions
T-Mobile CFO Peter Osvaldik publicly criticized SpaceX’s plans to use Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology for urban coverage, stating that "everybody in the know" is laughing at the strategy. Osvaldik argued that fundamental laws of physics make it impractical to replace terrestrial cell towers with satellite femtocells in dense urban environments. This comment highlights the ongoing tension between traditional telecom operators and satellite providers over the scope of direct-to-device services.
Local view
In China, local media reported on the integration of Alibaba into the Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology (operator of the Qianfan constellation). Alibaba’s investment venture registered as a new shareholder, signaling a deeper tie between China’s tech giants and its sovereign satellite internet infrastructure. This move is seen as boosting the Qianfan project's "space computing" capabilities, aligning with national goals for autonomous low-orbit networks.
Context & numbers
- Starlink Subscribers: Recent data indicates Starlink has reached 10.3 million subscribers with $11.4 billion in revenue, holding 90.4% of all LEO internet satellites.
- OneWeb Fleet: Eutelsat OneWeb operates approximately 648 satellites in a B2B-only model, generating roughly $250 million in LEO revenue for the 12 months ending June 2025.
- FCC Spectrum Vote: The US FCC is scheduled to vote on September 30, 2026, regarding the unlocking of over 1,000 MHz of spectrum, which could significantly boost Starlink’s capacity and competitive position.
On the radar
- FCC Spectrum Vote: Watch for the FCC’s September 30 vote on expanding satellite broadband spectrum, which will directly impact Starlink and Kuiper’s future capacity.
- AST SpaceMobile Launch: US Mobile is targeting a Q4 launch for AST SpaceMobile services, positioning it as a key competitor to Starlink’s direct-to-cell offerings.
- Korean Air Rollout: Monitor passenger feedback and technical performance following the September 15 launch of free Starlink Wi-Fi on Korean Air and Asiana flights.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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