The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted SpaceX the green light to utilize its Starlink broadband satellites for providing T-Mobile customers with direct-to-cell connectivity.
This decision marks a groundbreaking development in telecommunications, as it is the first official collaboration between a satellite operator and a wireless carrier to receive FCC approval for delivering supplemental cell coverage from space.
In a statement accompanying the decision, the FCC highlighted the public benefits of the satellite-to-device service.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
“The Commission recognized that satellite-to-device connectivity can support critical public interest benefits, including ubiquitous connectivity, access to 911 service from remote areas, technological advancement, and innovative spectrum use,” it said.
The SpaceX-T-Mobile partnership, initially announced in 2022, is aimed at eliminating cellular dead zones across the United States. It seeks to address long-standing connectivity gaps, particularly in remote areas where traditional terrestrial networks have struggled to provide reliable service.
The collaboration gained traction earlier this year when the FCC granted temporary clearance for the two companies to deliver Starlink services to regions affected by Hurricane Helene.
Other carriers have followed suit, with Verizon and AT&T establishing similar partnerships with satellite operator AST SpaceMobile to enhance coverage in underserved areas.
The FCC’s chair, Jessica Rosenworcel, emphasized the importance of fostering competition in this emerging field.
“The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a single network future that will put an end to mobile dead zones,” she said.
Conditions and Challenges for Full Deployment
While the approval marks a major milestone, it comes with specific limitations. The FCC has not yet decided whether SpaceX can increase the radio emission power of its satellites to enable advanced features such as real-time voice and video calls. Rival carriers AT&T and Verizon have raised concerns, arguing that bypassing current power flux-density limits could lead to interference with their existing networks.
Additionally, the commission is still deliberating on whether SpaceX can expand its Starlink constellation by launching an additional 22,488 satellites. For now, the company is operating under an earlier approval to deploy 7,518 satellites granted in 2018.
SpaceX and T-Mobile have already begun deploying initial satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, with the first batch launched in January 2023. However, the complete constellation necessary to deliver full voice and data services is still under construction.
When granted temporary clearance last month, SpaceX hinted at testing basic texting (SMS) capabilities in collaboration with T-Mobile. The rollout of voice and data services, however, is not anticipated until 2025, as the companies work to refine the technology and expand satellite coverage.
A Game-changer in The Telecom Market
The FCC’s approval signals a significant shift in how telecommunications companies and satellite operators collaborate. By allowing satellite services to supplement terrestrial networks, the commission is advancing its goal of creating a unified, seamless connectivity ecosystem.
This move could redefine how mobile carriers address connectivity challenges, offering solutions for emergencies, remote communication, and broader network resilience.
The approval also puts SpaceX and T-Mobile at the forefront of an emerging space economy, where partnerships between satellite providers and terrestrial carriers are expected to become increasingly common.
Traditional cellular networks often struggle to provide reliable coverage in remote, sparsely populated, or disaster-stricken areas due to the high costs of building and maintaining terrestrial infrastructure. Starlink’s satellite-to-device connectivity eliminates these barriers by delivering broadband and mobile services directly to smartphones via satellite.
This innovation has been hailed as a game-changer, promising to eradicate cellular dead zones and ensure that no location is beyond reach.
How Direct-to-Cell Connectivity Works
Starlink’s system relies on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which are positioned closer to the planet than traditional geostationary satellites. This proximity reduces latency, ensuring faster and more reliable communication. The satellites are equipped with advanced technology to communicate directly with standard smartphones without requiring additional hardware.
However, this technology does not replace terrestrial networks; instead, it complements them. For it to function, satellite operators like SpaceX must partner with telecom companies to integrate the service into existing mobile networks.
The approval of SpaceX’s partnership with T-Mobile is seen as a critical step toward global deployment. Beyond the U.S. which was the focus in 2022, the technology has the potential to revolutionize global telecommunications by extending connectivity to underserved and unserved regions, particularly in developing countries where terrestrial networks are limited or nonexistent.
Disruption Without Direct Competition
While Starlink’s direct-to-cell service is expected to disrupt the telecom market, it does not pose a threat to telecom companies. Instead of competing with carriers, Starlink requires their partnership to function.
Industry experts see this collaboration as a win-win. Telecom providers can expand their reach without the substantial investment required to build infrastructure in remote areas, while satellite operators like SpaceX gain access to established customer bases and billing systems.