The Federal Telecommunications Commission (FCC) has authorized to the technology company Starlink to offer satellite connectivity direct to US users’ phones through the mobile operator T-Mobile.
Starlink is a division of SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, designed to create an interconnected network of satellites in orbit with which to provide internet to all areas of the world, even those where there are coverage problems connecting to the network.
In August 2022, the company announced that it was partnering with telephone provider T-Mobile to offer almost complete coverage in most of the United States. This would be possible thanks to Starlink V2which would offer connectivity between 2 and 4 megabits (Mbits) per area, connection levels that would foreseeably allow calls and text messages, so that they would not be enough to compete with the bandwidth.
Although it was planned that this service Starlink and T-Mobile, Direct to Cell, will begin operating in 2023, it was not until January of this year when the first satellites with the capacity to provide mobile coverage were deployed.
Shortly before, Starlink had indicated that these first six satellites, which would allow “mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth” and would help “eliminate dead zones”; would allow users to send text messages (SMS) this year. Voice and data calls, as well as smart device connectivity, were instead expected by 2025.
However, it has not been until now that starlink has received authorization from the FCC to move forward with its plans with a US commercial license that will allow it to provide complementary coverage from space, as reported in its X profile.
In a document shared by the Commission, this body recognizes that satellite connectivity to devices “can support critical benefits of public interest, including ubiquitous connectivity, access to 911 service from remote areas, technological advancement and innovative use of spectrum.”
Media outlets such as TechCrunch have pointed out that although the green light from the FCC has been delayed longer than expected, this is an achievement for the company, which will enter the US market before its rivals. This is the case of Lynk, which is already in orbit, but has no commercial partners in the United States.
The Verge, for its part, adds that the official approval of the FCC is subject to certain conditions, because this body has not yet determined whether SpaceX You can increase the radio output power of your satellites to support features such as voice calling and streaming video.
