The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a groundbreaking plan by T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Starlink to expand internet coverage using satellites. This marks the first time the FCC has allowed a satellite operator and a cell carrier to provide coverage using spectrum bands traditionally allocated for terrestrial services. The goal of this partnership is to eliminate internet “dead zones” and extend coverage to remote areas.
T-Mobile and SpaceX initially announced their collaboration in 2022, with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk stating that by connecting existing mobile devices to satellites, the alliance aims to render cell towers obsolete and provide coverage in previously unreachable regions. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel expressed support for the initiative, saying, “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.”
SpaceX’s satellites are equipped with direct-to-cell technology that integrates with T-Mobile’s existing network, which already covers millions of Americans. However, over 500,000 square miles of the US remain inaccessible by traditional cell towers.
This approval follows the FCC’s authorization for SpaceX and T-Mobile to provide direct-to-cell coverage in areas of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. While T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Starlink is the first approved partnership of its kind, the FCC is reviewing similar applications from other companies. The FCC has granted SpaceX conditional approval to use T-Mobile’s cellular frequencies on up to 7,500 of its Gen2 Starlink satellites, provided it does not interfere with other networks.
Currently, around 320 of the more than 2,600 Gen2 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit are equipped with a direct-to-smartphone payload, sufficient to enable the texting services SpaceX aims to launch this year. The FCC has deferred a decision on allowing these satellites to increase their radio emission power, which SpaceX claims is necessary for higher-bandwidth capabilities such as real-time voice and video calls.
Expanding satellite internet coverage
However, the FCC has permitted SpaceX to operate Gen2 spacecraft at lower altitudes, between 340 and 360 kilometers, to reduce latency. This conditional approval follows the establishment of new ground rules for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) services in March, classifying them as secondary services to companies providing Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) with conventional frequencies already approved for space use. While this is the first satellite-terrestrial SCS partnership to receive FCC approval, other companies have pending applications, including AST SpaceMobile, which has partnered with AT&T and Verizon in the United States.
The FCC approval also positions SpaceX to provide direct-to-smartphone services in other countries in coordination with local regulations. In addition to T-Mobile, SpaceX has announced cellular partnerships with Rogers in Canada, One NZ in New Zealand, KDDI in Japan, Optus in Australia, and Salt in Switzerland. This development could pose a substantial challenge to established telecom giants such as Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Bharti Airtel.
Starlink’s direct-to-cell service eliminates the need for traditional mobile towers, enabling internet and call connectivity even in remote areas where telecom companies have not been able to install infrastructure. Users are experiencing internet speeds ranging from 250-350Mbps, far exceeding the 50-60Mbps speeds typically available through fiber connections in certain regions. The direct connection to satellites ensures uninterrupted communication services, particularly valuable during emergencies when traditional infrastructure may fail.
SpaceX continues to deploy advanced rockets, with the Falcon 9 and the upcoming Starship designated to launch more Starlink satellites. If successful, Musk’s technology could significantly alter the future landscape of telecommunications, potentially reducing or even eliminating the need for mobile towers.
