SpaceX Advances Starlink Direct-to-Cell Satellite Service with FCC Approval

Insider Brief

• SpaceX’s Starlink, direct-to-cell satellite technology is moving closer to commercial rollout, following the Federal Communications Commission’s approval for broader operations.
• The company projects that it will offer text messaging via satellite this year, with voice, data, and internet-of-things capabilities by 2025.
• The FCC approval comes with conditions, requiring SpaceX to collaborate with other satellite operators and astronomical organizations to prevent interference with existing systems. Efforts include working with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory to reduce potential disruptions to ground-based astronomy.

SpaceX’s direct-to-cell satellite technology is moving closer to commercial rollout, following the reported Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval for broader operations. Starlink services aim to provide text messaging, voice, and other cellular capabilities to areas lacking traditional network coverage, with T-Mobile as its key U.S. partner.

Earlier this year, SpaceX demonstrated the potential of this service by enabling text messaging for over 27,000 devices in hurricane-affected regions. Temporary FCC approval allowed the company to deploy the service during hurricanes Helene and Milton. The FCC now recognizes the wider benefits of direct-to-cell coverage, particularly in emergencies where access to terrestrial networks is unavailable, such as calling or texting 911 in remote areas.

Since announcing its partnership with T-Mobile in 2022, SpaceX has launched more than 300 satellites capable of providing this service and has plans for thousands more. The company projects that it will offer text messaging via satellite this year, with voice, data, and internet-of-things capabilities by 2025.

Direct-to-cell technology is not intended to replace traditional cell service in well-connected areas, but SpaceX views it as a practical solution for regions with little to no coverage. T-Mobile estimates over 500,000 square miles of the U.S. and significant stretches of ocean currently lack cell signals, highlighting the need for such solutions.

In addition to T-Mobile, SpaceX is working with international providers in countries such as Canada, Australia, Japan, and Switzerland, expanding its reach to global markets.

The FCC approval comes with conditions, requiring SpaceX to collaborate with other satellite operators and astronomical organizations to prevent interference with existing systems. Efforts include working with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory to reduce potential disruptions to ground-based astronomy.

While the service’s timeline has shifted since its initial announcement, SpaceX’s progress signals a significant step toward connecting underserved areas through satellite technology.