SpaceX Gains FCC Approval for New, More Powerful Starlink Router with Wi-Fi 6 Support
SpaceX has received FCC authorization for a third-generation Starlink router (Model UTR-231), which promises enhanced performance through upgraded Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and significantly higher signal power compared to its predecessors.
SpaceX is preparing to enhance its satellite internet service with a new piece of customer hardware, having recently secured approval from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for an upgraded Starlink router.
FCC Greenlights Third-Generation Router
The FCC documentation, which became public recently, grants authorization for SpaceX to market a new Wi-Fi router identified by the model number UTR-231. This device is expected to be the third-generation standard router offered to Starlink customers, succeeding the UTR-211 model currently shipping with the standard Starlink dish.
Upgraded Wi-Fi 6 and Enhanced Signal Strength
While the FCC filings don't explicitly detail all specifications, they strongly indicate the new UTR-231 router will incorporate Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology. This upgrade is expected to deliver faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and better performance in environments with many connected devices compared to the Wi-Fi 5 capabilities of the current generation.
Furthermore, the filings reveal a significant increase in the router's Wi-Fi signal strength. The new model boasts considerably higher Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) levels across its Wi-Fi bands compared to both the current UTR-211 and the original UTR-201 routers. This suggests the UTR-231 will offer improved Wi-Fi coverage and a more robust signal throughout users' homes.
Potential Pairing with V4 Dish
Although the current FCC approval focuses solely on the router, it's speculated that this new UTR-231 model might be intended to pair with SpaceX's upcoming V4 Starlink dish, which is expected to be larger and more powerful than the current standard dish. The previous standard routers (UTR-211 and UTR-201) lacked built-in Ethernet ports and mesh networking capabilities (requiring separate accessories), though it remains unclear if the UTR-231 will integrate these features.
SpaceX has not yet officially announced the new router or its availability timeline. However, the FCC approval marks a significant step towards its eventual rollout to Starlink customers.