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FCC Approves SpaceX and T-Mobile's Starlink Direct-to-Cell Service to Eliminate Dead Zones

Nov 26, 2024, 09:11 PM

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted SpaceX conditional approval to use its Starlink satellites to provide direct-to-cellular services in the United States. This license for 'supplemental coverage from space' will enable SpaceX and T-Mobile to extend mobile coverage to remote areas and eliminate dead zones by allowing Starlink satellites to connect directly to existing LTE mobile phones. The service is expected to be available with existing LTE phones in a few weeks. The approval covers 7,500 second-generation (Gen2) satellites operating at lower orbits. SpaceX has already launched approximately 340 Starlink Direct to Cell satellites into orbit, positioning the company to commence the service. The collaboration aims to supplement T-Mobile's cellular network using SpaceX's satellite technology, potentially transforming mobile coverage across the nation.