SpaceX is once again allowed to offer its Starlink satellite internet service in France after a court revoked the company’s license in April.
On June 2 France’s radio frequency regulator Arcep awarded a 10-year license to SpaceX following a month-long consultation period ordered by the country’s administrative court.
Along with the 10-year license, SpaceX was also granted approval for a new ground station in the country, following two unsuccessful attempts due to concerns from local communities, according to Telecompaper.
Arcep had originally approved Starlink’s license in February 2022. However that license was revoked in early April by the Conseil d’Etat. Two environmental associations, Priartem and Agir pour l’environnement appealed the approval, concerned with the impact the satellite constellation would have on the night sky as well as space debris.
The groups also contested that there was no public consultation prior to the approval.
The court said that since the service “could impact the market of access to high-bandwidth internet and affect the interests of end users,” public consultations were required by law.
A public consultation period began on April 11 and concluded on May 9, with Arcep saying that Starlink’s availability does not have a large effect on the market, nor does it affect the interests of end users.
