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Elon Musk's Starlink has been approved to deliver satellite internet connectivity directly to mobile phones, revolutionizing global connectivity.
Elon Musk's Starlink subsidiary SpaceX has received partial approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an American agency similar to ANATEL, to offer connectivity services for cell phones.
A authorization allows the company move forward with its plans to eliminate cellular coverage dead zones in the United States. However, some conditions have been imposed, and parts of the order remain pending.
Cellular signal service approved in US territory
The authorization grants Elon Musk's Starlink the right to provide Supplemental Space Coverage (SCS) in areas without terrestrial coverage in the US. This way, consumers in remote locations will be able to use their cell phones by connecting directly to the company's satellites.
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The partnership with T-Mobile is a key part of this progress. Through the lease agreement between the companies, Starlink's second-generation satellites will operate on specific frequencies, covering the United States continental, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
According to FCC, this initiative will bring many important benefits, especially in emergencies. Satellite coverage could enable 911 calls and text messages even in isolated regions. Recent examples include the use of Elon Musk's Starlink emergency services during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Global expansion with local limits
The authorization issued also covers operations outside the United States. However, in these cases, Starlink will need approval from local governments. In foreign territories, the operation will be carried out in specific sub-bands, among others. 1429 MHz and 2690 MHz.
Starlink plans to offer basic services like text messaging as early as 2024. More complex services like voice calls and data transmission are planned for 2025. Despite the progress, the FCC has not yet authorized the company to exceed certain technical limits that impact real-time communications like voice and video.
Evolution of the satellite fleet from Elon Musk's Starlink
Since January 2024, SpaceX has been launching Starlink Gen2 satellites equipped to support mobile services. Of the 2.600 second-generation satellites currently in low-Earth orbit, about 320 already have the technology to enable direct connections with smartphones. That infrastructure will be enough to launch messaging services later this year, SpaceX said.
Additionally, the FCC has authorized up to 7.500 Gen2 satellites to be used at lower altitudes, between 340 km and 360 km. This decision seeks to meet the demand for low-latency connectivity in rural and remote areas. However, the approval of another 22.488 satellites, requested by the company, remains under review.
Partnerships and technical cooperation
SpaceX has been instructed to coordinate its operations with other spectrum users and cease transmissions in the event of harmful interference.
Additionally, the company must collaborate with NASA to ensure the safety of scientific missions and the International Space Station (ISS).
This coordination includes planning launch windows and mitigating potential collision risks.
Operating at lower altitudes also reduces the likelihood of long-term orbital debris.
However, the FCC will continue to monitor potential impacts on communications, space debris mitigation, and effects on astronomy, especially given the planned constellation of near- 30.000 satellites.
Regulatory challenges and competition
While the approval marks a significant step forward, Elon Musk's Starlink has faced resistance. Companies including AT&T, Verizon, EchoStar and Omnispace have raised concerns about interference and degradation of terrestrial broadband networks.
The FCC has decided to delay reviewing a request from SpaceX to exempt it from out-of-band emissions (OOBE) limits, a measure the company considers crucial for voice and video services.
SpaceX argues that current restrictions make real-time communications unreliable, especially in emergency situations. However, the FCC said the company must comply with the broadcast rules until a final ruling is made.
What are the next steps?
Despite the limitations, Elon Musk's Starlink remains optimistic. Ben Longmier, SpaceX's senior director of satellite engineering, noted that any operator adopting the Direct to Cell system could completely eliminate coverage dead zones, including coastal and oceanic areas. He stressed that the beta service in the US should be activated soon.
With ambitious plans and robust infrastructure, Elon Musk’s Starlink continues to revolutionize internet access and global connectivity. However, regulatory and technical challenges still need to be overcome to realize his vision of universal connectivity.
It's the inevitable future of communications!!
The more we achieve communication between us, the more satisfying it will be.
Yes, and a lot to get out of this monopoly that operators have
Only those who travel through the interior of Brazil know how difficult it is to get an Internet signal…
With the ministers doing this here and attacking him so as not to continue in Brazil, showing the truth through the internet
You can write it down, it will be almost impossible to implement this service in Brazil, Xandão holds a grudge against Musk and will prioritize the requests of other Brazilian internet service providers (who will cry until they can't anymore because of the "unfair competition"). Now, if the Chinese offer the same service as Musk, they will readily accept. 🙄
Xandão is not eternal… Musk is not either… the company, in turn, will be around for a long time.
Wonderful, Elon Musk