SpaceX is preparing for a new step that will take the Starlink brand beyond internet access. The company's acquisition of low-frequency cellular spectrum licenses indicates that it aims to enter the mobile operator market under the name Starlink Mobile.
Following the approval of the acquisition agreement by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), SpaceX is expected to build a new communication architecture that uses both a satellite network and a terrestrial mobile network. This move brings the company closer to direct competition with established operators in the US such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
WHAT DOES STARLINK MOBILE PROMISE?
It is stated that the acquired licenses cover up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band. The most important advantage of low-frequency bands is that signals can spread over wider areas and overcome obstacles such as walls more effectively. For this reason, SpaceX's goal is to provide stronger coverage not only in open areas but also inside buildings.
The company had previously purchased 2 GHz spectrum from EchoStar to develop direct-to-device connection services. The latest 800 MHz move is considered a step toward improving connection quality, especially in areas seen as "dead zones" on coverage maps and in indoor spaces.
SpaceX's plans are not limited to this. The FCC had previously approved the company's plans to place 15 thousand V2 Starlink Mobile satellites into orbit, which are stated to offer more than 100 times the bandwidth compared to the current generation. The combination of next-generation satellite infrastructure with low-band spectrum could significantly increase the capacity for satellite-to-cellular communication.
SpaceX officials argue that with the new low-band spectrum and Gen2 satellite constellation, Starlink Mobile will be the first network operator capable of using both satellite and terrestrial spectrum simultaneously. Through this combined structure, the company aims for users to establish more uninterrupted communication indoors, outdoors, or in regions that traditional networks cannot reach.
Details regarding when and under what conditions Starlink Mobile will be offered to users have not yet been clarified. However, SpaceX's spectrum investments show that satellite-supported mobile communication will be one of the competition topics in the telecom sector in the coming period.
News Source: 12punto
