SpaceX Prepared for 2026 Trials of Starlink Direct-to-Cell Using Its Allocated Frequency Range on Mobile Networks
SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, is making significant strides in revolutionising global communications with its Starlink Direct to Cell initiative. The ambitious project aims to provide a 5G alternative directly from orbit, eliminating mobile dead zones once and for all.
Recent developments include SpaceX's acquisition of $17 billion worth of wireless spectrum from EchoStar, a move that signifies the company's transition from carrier-only partnerships to offering first-party cellular connectivity worldwide. This acquisition is a crucial step towards the realisation of the Starlink Direct to Cell vision.
The success of SpaceX's 10th Starship flight, which was highlighted this summer, marks a significant milestone in the development of the next-generation Direct to Cell satellites. These satellites are equipped with custom silicon and advanced phased array antennas, promising a 100x capacity increase over the first-generation system.
SpaceX has also made strides in integrating Starlink's Direct to Cell service into everyday devices. The system recently expanded to support data connectivity for popular apps like Google Maps, X, and WhatsApp. Furthermore, SpaceX is collaborating with semiconductor manufacturers and leading chipmakers to develop custom chipsets that enable Starlink's direct-to-cell (DTC) service hardware to be integrated directly into smartphones. However, specific chipmaker names have not been publicly disclosed yet.
In terms of deployment, SpaceX launched its first Direct to Cell satellites in January 2024, and the company plans to launch the Starship V3, designed for propellant transfer in low Earth orbit, in late 2025 or early 2026. By late 2026, SpaceX is also planning phone-based testing for Starlink's Direct to Cell service.
Notably, Rogers in Canada is testing a similar Starlink solution, while T-Mobile in the U.S. is offering a Starlink-powered 'T-Satellite' service. However, the Starlink Direct to Cell system currently provides only satellite messaging, a feature that is expected to evolve as the project progresses.
As SpaceX continues to make strides in the development and deployment of its Starlink Direct to Cell initiative, it is clear that the company is committed to providing a global 5G alternative that will eliminate mobile dead zones and revolutionise communication worldwide.
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