Elon Musk's Starlink gets FCC green light to beam broadband into moving cars, planes, boats

• Starlink is now allowed to beam broadband into moving vehicles, the FCC said Thursday.
• This means it will be possible to use Starlink in moving cars, planes, and boats.

SpaceX won approval from the Federal Communications Commission to let its Starlink satellites send broadband internet to moving vehicles on Thursday.

The greenlight means Starlink has cleared a major hurdle as it has already signed deals with airline carriers including Hawaiian Airlines and exclusive jet firm JSX to provide in-flight WiFi to passengers.

"Authorizing a new class of terminals for SpaceX's satellite system will expand the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing user demands that now require connectivity while on the move, whether driving an RV across the country, moving a freighter from Europe to a US port, or while on a domestic or international flight," the FCC said in its authorization order published Thursday.

Starlink uses a network of satellites in low orbit to beam down broadband to users' satellite dishes, called terminals. It is designed to be able to reach customers in remote areas with poor internet connectivity.

The FCC's authorization will allow Starlink to pursue deals with transport companies more vigorously. Royal Caribbean became the first cruise line to request Starlink on its ships in June.

Starlink also launched a $135 monthly subscription for RVs in May. At launch the company said the internet service could not be used while the RV was in motion.

Starlink's vice president of commercial sales Jonathan Hofeller told attendees at a panel in March the service has over 250,000 subscribers, Space News reported.

SpaceX did not immediately respond when contacted by Insider for comment outside of usual working hours.