Key Points
- T-Mobile and Starlink received conditional FCC approval to use 7,500 Starlink satellites for satellite-to-phone services.
- The service will launch with messaging capabilities, with plans to expand to voice and data.
- The FCC established rules in 2023 to ensure compatibility with 4G and 5G networks.
- Users will stay connected anywhere with a clear sky, addressing mobile dead zones.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted conditional approval to T-Mobile and Starlink for their groundbreaking satellite-to-phone service, initially announced in 2022. This collaboration aims to provide T-Mobile subscribers with connectivity in areas beyond the reach of conventional cell networks using Starlink’s satellite infrastructure.
The FCC’s approval allows the deployment of up to 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites to support the service. However, the commission has deferred its decision to increase the satellites’ radio emission power, which is necessary for enabling real-time voice and video calls. For now, the service will focus on messaging capabilities, with plans to expand into voice and data services over time.
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert has highlighted the project’s ambitious vision of universal connectivity. Users can stay connected with a clear sky view, even in remote areas like oceans. This innovation could be critical for maintaining contact with loved ones and requesting assistance during emergencies, especially in locations where traditional cell towers cannot reach.
FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators. She stated, “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.”
The satellite-to-phone initiative represents a new era for mobile communication, made possible by the FCC’s regulatory framework established in March 2023. These regulations ensure that satellite services coexist harmoniously with terrestrial 4G and 5G networks.
However, not all stakeholders are fully onboard. AT&T, which is developing its own satellite services in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, has raised concerns about potential interference with existing wireless services. AT&T plans to demonstrate the non-interfering nature of its satellite technology.
T-Mobile and Starlink achieved a significant milestone by successfully sending and receiving text messages using this technology in January. Additionally, the FCC permitted satellite texting in hurricane-affected areas earlier this year, showcasing the service’s potential to provide critical connectivity during natural disasters. With regulatory approval, T-Mobile and Starlink are poised to redefine mobile connectivity worldwide, especially in remote and underserved regions.
