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SpaceX gets approval from FCC chief for its internet satellite project

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8 years ago

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SpaceX’s planned internet satellite system received an approval from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai on Wednesday. With the space-based broadband service now supported by the FCC chief, it is now up to the four other commissioners of the regulatory board to fully greenlight the proposed project.

In a press release about his decision, the FCC chief stated that SpaceX’s plan would ultimately benefit America as a whole. After all, with the space-bound broadband system in place, even the most remote areas in the United States, and even the world, would have access to the internet.

“To bridge America’s digital divide, we’ll have to use innovative technologies. SpaceX’s application—along with those of other satellite companies seeking licenses or access to the U.S. market for non-geostationary satellite orbit systems—involves one such innovation.

“Satellite technology can help reach Americans who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fiber optic cables and cell towers do not reach. And it can offer more competition where terrestrial Internet access is already available.”

Pai called on his colleagues at the FCC board to approve SpaceX’s proposed satellite internet plan as well. The FCC chief further noted that the commission had already approved similar proposals in the past, namely from firms such as OneWeb, Space Norway, and Telesat.

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“Following careful review of this application by our International Bureau’s excellent satellite engineering experts, I have asked my colleagues to join me in supporting this application and moving to unleash the power of satellite constellations to provide high-speed Internet to rural Americans. If adopted, it would be the first approval given to an American-based company to provide broadband services using a new generation of low-Earth orbit satellite technologies,” the FCC chief said in the recent press release.

The Elon Musk-led space firm’s broadband plan involves sending thousands of satellites into space to beam back internet access to users across the globe. SpaceX had previously asked the FCC for approval to deploy a constellation of 4,425 satellites that would operate roughly 700 to 800 miles above Earth.

SpaceX’s space-bound internet plan is set to get an early test this coming Saturday, with the private space firm expected to launch a pair of satellites, Microsat-2a and -2b, as a means to test a broadband antenna that would be used for the proposed constellation. The Falcon 9 rocket carrying Microsat-2a and -2b is expected to be launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

As we noted in a previous report, SpaceX’s proposed internet constellation has been progressing quite well over the past year. While it seemed like the space-based broadband system would be meeting a roadblock in the form of new regulations from the FCC and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) last year, further analysis of the updates eventually revealed that the updated rulings would ultimately help SpaceX’s broadband constellation in the long run. 

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Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla launches Model Y Performance in the U.S.

The new Model Y Performance now sports a 0-60 MPH acceleration rate of 3.3 seconds, a good improvement from the 3.5 seconds the 2025 version offered. It also has a better range rating, up to 308 miles from 277 miles in the previous model year.

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3 hours ago

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September 30, 2025

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has officially launched the Model Y Performance in the United States, boasting better range, performance, and features than its previous build.

The new Model Y Performance now sports a 0-60 MPH acceleration rate of 3.3 seconds, a good improvement from the 3.5 seconds the 2025 version offered. It also has a better range rating, up to 308 miles from 277 miles in the previous model year.

Tesla Model Y Performance zips around Nurburgring with new features

It is priced at $57,490, and will be eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit for the remainder of today, September 30. If you’re reading this on or after October 1, you will be required to pay $57,490.

Tesla also announced several new additions, both aesthetically and performance-wise. We’ll discuss them below:

Exterior Improvements

  • New front/rear fascia
  • Performance carbon spoiler for better aerodynamics – increased downforce and reduced drag
  • New 21″ Arachnid wheels and tires with staggered fitment to improve grip and steering
  • Adaptive damping adjusts handling and suspension for a smoother and more stable ride

Performance Improvements

  • New Drive Modes give you greater control for high-speed driving
  • Increased charge capacity thanks to high-density battery cells

Interior Improvements

  • Quiet cabin with premium sound-damping materials & acoustic glass
  • Heated/ventilated front sport seats & heated, perforated rear seats with power recline
  • Added bolstering and side cushions for improved comfort and stabilty when cornering
  • Cornered thigh cushion extenders, which were added to new Model Y L in China and Model Y Performance in Europe
  • 16″ high-res touchscreen

Credit: Tesla

Credit: Tesla

Credit: Tesla

Tesla offered the Model Y Performance in other markets before the United States, with deliveries starting in Europe earlier this month.

The launch of the Model Y Performance in the United States is expected to add a few thousand units to next quarter’s delivery figures. However, Tesla is doing customers a favor by launching it ahead of the tax credit’s expiration at midnight.

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Tesla Cybertruck police cruisers from noted tuner arrive to Las Vegas PD

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4 hours ago

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September 30, 2025

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Tesla Cybertruck police cruisers from noted tuner Unplugged Performance arrived to the Las Vegas Police Department this week.

The fleet will have ten total Cybertrucks, outfitted and equipped with all of the trimmings of a normal cruiser, but packed inside the polarizing but useful exoskeleton of the all-electric pickup.

Back in February, it was announced by Las Vegas Metro Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill that they would be specially fitted as a SWAT vehicle. Sheriff McMahill said that the Cybertrucks will keep officers safe because of their unique engineering:

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“The cop inside will be safe no matter what; it will stop bullets.”

The Department was gifted the ten vehicles by Ben Horowitz, a billionaire businessman. The donation came shortly after a Cybertruck exploded outside of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1. Only the suspect was killed in the explosion.

Sheriff McMahill has big plans for the Cybertrucks in the police fleet:

“Imagine when we’re out and we’re charging these things, and officers will be approached by people from all over the community to see this thing. It’s an opportunity [to] inject humanity, to increase our community partnerships.”

The introduction of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department Cybertrucks is just one way the law enforcement agency is using technology to its advantage. The Department also said in February that it would be using new drone technology to triangulate gunshots.

Police departments from all over the United States and even the world have adopted Tesla vehicles for their law enforcement fleets. Many agencies cite cost-effectiveness, affordability, performance, and charging as significant advantages for why EVs make sense for their fleets.

Some Cybertrucks have been utilized as police vehicles as well. Qatar used them to create a motorcade for President Donald Trump during a visit to the Middle East, and the Jalisco, Mexico PD will utilize several Cybertrucks while patrolling the FIFA World Cup.

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Tesla eyes Los Angeles for Robotaxi operation, job posting suggests

LA is also an ideal location for Robotaxi expansion because of its reputation as a hotspot for ride-sharing services.

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7 hours ago

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September 30, 2025

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Credit: @TerrapinTerpene/X

Tesla is eyeing Los Angeles for its Robotaxi operation, a new job posting from the company suggests, as it aims to expand its service area in California.

Tesla has been operating its Robotaxi platform in California for several months now, first launching it in July in the Bay Area, spanning from San Francisco to San Jose, giving those who have access to the ride-hailing suite a pretty substantial service area to travel within.

However, the California operation is far from complete, as Tesla is aiming to expand to Los Angeles, a city that sits roughly seven hours south of San Francisco, but is among the most popular markets for its vehicles.

LA is also an ideal location for Robotaxi expansion because of its reputation as a hotspot for ride-sharing services.

Tesla is hiring a Vehicle Operator for its Robotaxi program in Marina Del Rey, a seaside community in Los Angeles County, located near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and several other hotspots. It is a frequent location of travel for tourists, making it ideal for Robotaxi:

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There is a substantial difference between how Tesla operates Robotaxi in California compared to Texas, the other state that currently allows passengers to hail a ride through the Tesla Robotaxi app.

In Texas, the majority of rides are considered “driverless,” as there is nobody sitting in the driver’s seat.

This applies to any ride that does not utilize any of the Texas freeways, as highways will require a driver in the seat, something Tesla did when its geofence in Austin expanded to include interstates.

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Tesla adjusts Robotaxi safety monitor strategy in Austin with new service area

In California, things are a bit different. The “Safety Monitor” sits in the driver’s seat, regardless of destination or route. This has drawn some criticism, but Tesla has taken this step in an effort to keep passengers and traffic as safe as possible, recognizing that this is essential for these early rides.

Eventually, and potentially as soon as the end of this year, Tesla could remove Safety Monitors from vehicles altogether, as CEO Elon Musk has hinted this is a possibility.

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