SpaceX gets FCC green light for Starlink direct-to-phone deal with T-Mobile

SpaceX gets FCC approval for direct Starlink-T-Mobile phone service.

: SpaceX received FCC approval to partner with T-Mobile for a direct-to-phone Starlink service. Initially proposed in 2022, regulatory approval arrived at the end of 2024. The service aims to improve access to emergency services, tackling engineering challenges to connect phones to orbiting satellites. Coordination with NASA is required for satellites operating below 400 km.

SpaceX has been granted permission by the FCC to proceed with its plan to offer a direct-to-phone version of its Starlink satellite internet through T-Mobile. Initially proposed in summer 2022, the service was expected to start in 2023, but regulatory approval only came at the end of 2024.

The direct-to-phone service, which is significant for Starlink, involves using specific wireless bands in partnership with T-Mobile. Despite the technical difficulty of syncing phones with satellites moving at high speeds and altitudes, progress has been demonstrated with successful emergency communications during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The FCC highlights the potential benefits such as increased access to emergency services in areas lacking terrestrial networks. Nevertheless, limitations exist as the service must be an extension of a terrestrial provider, with SpaceX needing to avoid interference with ground services and coordinating closely with NASA for operations below 400 km altitude.

StarlinkFCCTelecommunications