Satellite connectivity on smartphones can be an incredibly important safety feature, and both phone makers and carriers are working to expand its availability. Now, Starlink’s direct-to-cell service that will be used by T-Mobile now has FCC approval.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted SpaceX approval to utilize its Starlink satellite network to offer direct-to-phone connectivity for T-Mobile customers. This marks the first time a satellite operator and a wireless carrier have received FCC authorization for such a partnership, aiming to provide supplemental cellular coverage from space and eliminate cellular dead zones across the United States.
If this actually rolls out in the near future, it would be huge. Right now for satellite connectivity, you need a device that was built for connecting to a satellite, such as the iPhone 16 series or the Google Pixel 9 series. Furthermore, you will eventually need to pay for it—Google’s satellite service, currently only available within the continental United States, is currently free for the first two years, but it will eventually cost money after that. Apple also has a similar two-year promise.
By contrast, the big promise of direct-to-cell satellite service is that you will be able to connect to a satellite just like you currently connect to a cell tower, with your current smartphone, whenever you find yourself in a dead spot. It’s like putting a cell tower in space that you can access at all times. In the case of T-Mobile and SpaceX, the partnership was initially announced in 2022, but it probably still has a long way to go before it’s something everyone can use.
Both companies briefly received temporary clearance to provide Starlink satellite services in affected areas during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, but it’s probably a way different thing than rolling out nationwide permanent service, where more challenges will arise. During that particular rollout, it was shown to be a life saver, but way less robust than what you’d get from a regular cell tower.
The FCC’s approval is also accompanied by a few conditions. Notably, the agency has yet to determine whether SpaceX will be allowed to increase the radio emission power of its satellites, a crucial factor in supporting real-time voice and video calls. We’ll have to wait and see how the final version of the service will look like.
Source: The Verge
