SpaceX asked to launch 7,518 satellites to deliver fast internet access to the whole planet

SpaceX says that it could offer gigabit speeds to customers anywhere on the planet. [Photo: Courtesy]

SpaceX has been given permission by the US Federal Communications Commission to launch 7,518 more satellites. The company had already been given permission to launch 4,409.

This enormous number of satellites is to enable the company's Starlink communications system which promises to offer broadband across the surface of the planet, including to places that struggle with current infrastructure.