The US Federal Communications Commission has authorized SpaceX to deploy 15,000 next-generation satellites for its Starlink Mobile service. This approval allows the company to provide direct-to-smartphone cellular connectivity without requiring lease agreements with terrestrial mobile operators, positioning it as a direct competitor to major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
The new satellite constellation is designed to deliver 5G speeds of up to 150 Mbps. To achieve this, SpaceX plans to utilize both satellites and compact, cost-efficient ground-based femtocells to extend coverage. Currently, the existing Starlink Mobile service relies on approximately 650 satellites, providing data speeds of about 4 Mbps through a partnership with T-Mobile.
SpaceX has secured permission to operate in additional radio frequency spectrums acquired from EchoStar, including various cellular bands in the US. Furthermore, the regulator has authorized the company to deploy satellites at lower orbital altitudes, ranging from 326 to 335 km, to reduce signal latency. The company also received approval to provide cellular services outside the United States.
Under the FCC ruling, SpaceX may test EchoStar frequencies until the final closure of the SpaceX-EchoStar deal, which is scheduled for November 30, 2027. By this date, the company intends to begin launching the first v2 satellites. The FCC has deferred decisions on other parts of the SpaceX application, including requests for additional frequency bands.
