Starlink gets first direct-to-cell satellite service approval in US

Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider, Starlink, has been approved by the United States authority, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to provide internet services for T-Mobile customers in the country.

This marks the first collaboration between a satellite operator and wireless carrier to be approved by the FCC to provide supplemental cell coverage from space.

“The Commission recognized that satellite-to-device connectivity can support critical public interest benefits, including ubiquitous connectivity, access to 911 service from remote areas, technological advancement, and innovative spectrum use,” the FCC said in the filing.

SpaceX and T-Mobile had earlier been granted a temporary clearance in October to provide internet service to people in areas affected by the Hurricane Helene in the country.

Other telecommunication operators in the country has however raised concerns about the approval. AT&T and Verizon complained that allowing SpaceX to bypass current power flux-density limits could interfere with their existing networks.

“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,” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said, according to Reuters report.