SpaceX’s Starlink is paving the way for direct-to-mobile services, thanks to a progressive partnership with T-Mobile. Going beyond termianls, the ambitious endeavor could allow unmodified smartphones to directly connect with satellites. Beginning with text messaging in 2024, comprehensive voice and data services are slated to follow in 2025. However, AT&T and the Rural Wireless Association express concerns about possible interference with commercial networks, prompting fierce debate over the fine lines of regulatory procedures.
stra, the Australian telecommunications company, has announced a new partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The collaboration aims to provide home phone and broadband services to customers in remote areas. Telstra’s satellite connectivity services will offer expanded options for businesses and consumers who previously had limited access to broadband, potentially bringing them online for the first time.
Elon Musk’s ambitious plans to bring Starlink to India face challenges amidst spectrum policy clashes with local telecom operators. As the competition heats up in India’s satellite communication space, the sector’s future remains a hot topic.
AT&T challenges T-Mobile’s plan to harness SpaceX’s satellite services for improved mobile network coverage, citing potential interference and spectrum allocation violations. This rivalry intensifies the race to offer extensive coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
T-Mobile is collaborating with SpaceX to expand its network coverage. Last week, the two businesses announced that they will collaborate to provide extensive cellular access, including full coverage in most parts of the United States. The collaboration seeks to beam down connectivity using SpaceX’s fleet of low Earth orbit satellites for the benefit of T-Mobile customers. With this initiative, T-Mobile consumers should be able to connect to the SpaceX satellites through a new network, transmitted from Starlink’s satellites utilizing T-Mobile’s midband spectrum across the country. SpaceX currently provides home internet access globally through its Starlink program. Even though T-Mobile hasn’t yet provided details on the network’s deployment, the company claims that this collaboration should provide nearly complete coverage almost anywhere in the US. The two companies intend to provide this service in order to replace the use of satellite phones in off-the-grid locations such as national parks or…
Starlink has secured approval to provide satellite broadband in India, entering a competitive field with Airtel and Jio. Backed by a key license, it must meet strict local data and infrastructure rules before launch. With trial spectrum rights expected soon, Starlink prepares to help bridge connectivity gaps in underserved regions.
The European Commission is set to approve a €2.8 billion merger between SES and Intelsat, aiming to strengthen Europe’s satellite independence. Though not a direct rival to Starlink, the combined entity will leverage GEO, MEO, and LEO assets to expand coverage and support EU initiatives like IRIS2.
The FCC is exploring opening over 20,000 MHz of underused spectrum for satellite use, potentially benefiting companies like SpaceX. This move comes amid rising criticism of Dish Network for underutilizing its licensed frequencies and signals growing regulatory support for the satellite broadband sector.
India has introduced strict satellite communication regulations to bolster national security and attract global players. Key mandates include data localization, domestic infrastructure sourcing, and compliance with GPS alternatives. Giants like Starlink and OneWeb must align with these rules as India asserts control over its fast-growing satcom and satellite IoT sectors.