Elon Musk recently shared more details about Starlink Cellular or Starlink direct-to-mobile phone internet services. He explained that SpaceX would work exclusively with T-Mobile for the first year of Starlink Cellular.
Musk added that Starlink will work with other carriers after its first year. SpaceX aims to work with at least one carrier in each country. Its ultimate goal is to work with all carriers.
Starlink direct to mobile phone Internet is exclusively with @Tmobile in the US for the first year, then other carriers thereafter.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 31, 2024
We are starting off working with one carrier in each country, but ultimately hope to serve all carriers. https://t.co/CDVeiftVNT
In 2022, T-Mobile and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites announced a technology alliance called Coverage Above and Beyond. The collaboration’s primary goal is to end dead zones. Musk recently reaffirmed the partnership’s goals.
“After thinking it through, SpaceX Starlink will provide emergency service access to mobile phone(s) for people in distress for free. This applies worldwide, subject to approval by country governments,” Musk said on X.
T-Mobile and SpaceX expect to launch Starlink Cellular by fall 2024.
In June 2024, SpaceX filed a waiver with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), requesting permission for Starlink Cellular to operate beyond normal radio frequency parameters. T-Mobile’s competitors AT&T and Verizon opposed SpaceX’s request with the FCC.
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