SpaceX’s ninth Starship test ended in failure after a fuel leak caused disintegration over the Indian Ocean. Despite early success, this marks the third setback in a row, raising doubts about meeting future goals for Mars and Moon missions. SpaceX continues refining the system under FAA oversight.
Amazon has launched its first 27 satellites for Project Kuiper, marking its entry into the satellite internet race against SpaceX’s Starlink. Aiming to deliver fast internet to remote areas, Amazon plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites and begin service by late 2025 while addressing concerns like light pollution and regulatory challenges.
Indian telecom giant Jio Platforms has partnered with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet to India. This collaboration aims to enhance high-speed internet access across remote areas, supporting Jio’s mission to provide reliable broadband to businesses, enterprises, and communities.
Bharti Airtel’s strategic partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink broadband in India is a groundbreaking move in the telecom sector. This collaboration leverages Airtel’s market expertise and infrastructure, aiming to boost broadband access in remote areas.
Italy is in talks with SpaceX for a €1.5 billion contract aimed at enhancing national telecom security. The deal incorporates encrypted communications and Starlink’s integration to boost connectivity, especially in underserved areas.
The FCC approved SpaceX to replace its aging Starlink satellites with advanced second-gen models. The number of Australians using FWA for home broadband nearly doubled. Hiya’s report found nearly 20 billion spam calls globally. The UK CMA has paused its app store investigations into Apple and Google.
The UK Ministry of Defence has successfully launched its own satellite, ‘Tyche’, revolutionizing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This pivotal event marks the UK’s leap forward in space-based defense. As part of a broader initiative, Tyche will bolster military operations, disaster response, and environmental monitoring, reinforcing national security and technological innovation.
Barcelona-based Sateliot has launched four LEO nanosatellites via SpaceX to expand its satellite IoT services. This move aims to connect eight million devices and secure €30 million in funding. Utilizing a 5G core through AWS, Sateliot’s NB-IoT constellation targets 100% global coverage and offers cost-saving IoT solutions.
SpaceX has hit a roadblock in its ambitious plan to connect consumer devices directly to its next-generation Starlink satellites, as the FCC rejected its request to utilize the 1.6 GHz, 2 GHz, and 2.4 GHz bands. The regulatory agency has halted SpaceX’s bid citing their current policy on limiting new entrants to these bands.
The telecommunications sector leaps forward as KDDI and SpaceX bring a game-changing satellite-to-cellular service, intertwining mobile and satellite technologies. Leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink low-earth orbit satellites and KDDI’s national wireless spectrum, the partnership aims to expand urban connectivity into rural areas. While the innovation promises swift deployment and extensive coverage, it also poses challenges, including the need for costly, satellite-enabled handsets.
