SpaceX is taking major steps to transform its Starlink Mobile project into a fully functioning cell phone carrier in the United States. The aerospace company recently purchased new radio spectrum rights that will help it beam internet service directly to everyday smartphones. This change sets it up to directly compete with established industry giants like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for your monthly phone bill.
New frequency rights let satellites connect to phones inside buildings
The secret behind this expansion is a recent deal where SpaceX bought new 800MHz radio frequencies. Elon Musk called this purchase the final piece of the puzzle to give America complete phone coverage. The current 2GHz satellites work great for reaching phones outdoors, but these new lower frequencies are much better at passing through walls and roofs.
Since most modern phones already support this band, you will not need to buy a special device to try the network. SpaceX plans to mix its space network with small ground towers to keep your calls active when you walk inside a house.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
The company is still waiting on final approval from the FCC before turning everything on. Even so, the government already gave it permission to launch 15,000 newer satellites. These upgraded versions can handle a lot more internet traffic than the older models, keeping speeds fast even when thousands of people connect at once. If it all works out, Starlink could soon bring excellent cell service to rural towns that other networks forget about.
Discussion