SpaceX company has submitted a request to the FCC (United States Federal Communications Commission) to make some changes to the Starlink satellite communications network. The changes will be part of the Gen2 NGSO satellite network, which SpaceX says will bring many significant improvements. That means it will allow SpaceX to offer gigabit services to Starlink customers, increasing the speed tenfold from 100 Mbps. Other improvements include lower latency, ubiquitous mobile connectivity, and more.

To do this, SpaceX is seeking permission to lower its three constellations of satellites by approximately 8.5% from their current altitudes (from 525 km, 530 km and 535 km to altitudes of 480 km, 485 km and 475 km, respectively). SpaceX says the move will also reduce the likelihood of collisions with other satellites when the Starlink spacecraft reaches the end of its life, allowing its remains to burn up more quickly in Earth’s atmosphere.

The lower orbit will also make it easier for SpaceX to deploy more satellites in the future as demand increases from potential customers, especially in rural areas.

In addition to lower orbit, SpaceX is also calling for a five-degree change in the minimum elevation angle from 25° to 20°. This change will increase the amount of time the satellite can maintain communication with ground stations despite being closer to the horizon. However, there are concerns that this will cause interference with other satellite systems, despite SpaceX providing evidence to the contrary.