FCC Approves Swarm Technologies for 150-Satellite IoT Constellation
Swarm Technologies receives official FCC approval to launch 150 tiny satellites designed to provide low-bandwidth connectivity for remote smart devices.
Swarm Technologies earns official approval from the FCC to launch its 150-satellite constellation, overcoming previous agency concerns that its sandwich-sized SpaceBEE devices are too small to track. These tiny satellites are specifically designed to provide low-bandwidth, always-on connectivity for remote smart devices like agricultural soil monitors and ocean buoys that do not require high-speed data. By focusing on these low-tech needs, Swarm operates much smaller satellites than traditional broadband providers.
As part of this crucial regulatory victory, the FCC grants Swarm the necessary wireless spectrum to operate its network in space, dismissing objections from longtime satellite provider ORBCOMM. ORBCOMM argues that Swarm encroaches on its assigned frequencies, but the FCC determines that the legacy company actually attempts an improper power play to extend its control over the spectrum. This spectrum assignment is essential, as satellites are completely useless if they are legally forbidden from transmitting data.
The FCC also rejects safety concerns raised by SpaceX, which claims Swarm inadequately evaluates its orbital debris footprint and poses a potential risk to the International Space Station. Agency officials state that Swarm provides satisfactory evidence proving it takes appropriate steps to mitigate these space safety issues, granting the application with the condition that the company follows all upcoming orbital debris regulations. This approval marks a major milestone for the company as it moves past its earlier black mark of launching unauthorized test satellites.