FCC OKs Boeing Satellite Broadband Constellation

The FCC approved, with some requirements, Boeing's application for a license to build, deploy and run a satellite-broadband constellation, the agency announced Wednesday afternoon. The vote was 3-0, with Commissioner Geoffrey Starks not participating.

“Advanced satellite broadband services have an important role to play in connecting hard-to-serve communities,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We are committed to a careful and detailed review of all such applications." The International Bureau has completed this round of non-geostationary orbit applications, she added.

The new order doesn't approve all of what Boeing requested. The company didn't immediately comment.

Starks didn't participate in the decision "because he owns a small amount of Boeing stock and the item specifically involves the company as the applicant," a staffer emailed us. The order itself didn't explain why he didn't vote.