FCC Clears Starlink for Phone Service

SpaceX is ready for launch as the FCC grants approval for its Starlink satellite-based phone service.

With authorization to operate in and outside the U.S. using its second-gen Starlink network, the decision highlights many benefits.

Some of those benefits are 911 access in remote areas.

And the way the link is setup, it will have faster connections.

Curious thing is that the FCC was dragging their feet to support Starlink.

I wonder what big change just happened to cause them to change their mind?

Pundit Mario Nawfal writes:

The FCC has granted Starlink a commercial license for its Direct-to-Cell service, enabling SpaceX to expand satellite-to-mobile communications across the U.S.

ADVERTISEMENT

This approval covers 7,500 Gen2 satellites operating at lower altitudes, promising faster connectivity for underserved areas while coordinating with NASA to ensure ISS safety.

Starlink’s service will revolutionize rural connectivity and bolster secure communication networks, marking another milestone in satellite innovation.

🚨🇺🇸 FCC APPROVES STARLINK’S DIRECT-TO-CELL PROGRAM

The FCC has granted Starlink a commercial license for its Direct-to-Cell service, enabling SpaceX to expand satellite-to-mobile communications across the U.S.

This approval covers 7,500 Gen2 satellites operating at lower… https://t.co/RKKaInMYy6 pic.twitter.com/s4QaWHv2Qk

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 26, 2024

Yahoo News reports:

SpaceX has received approval from the US Federal Communications Commission to start commercial operations of the company’s cellular Starlink service for phones.

On Tuesday, the FCC granted SpaceX authority to operate the satellite-based cellular connectivity within and outside the US through the company’s second-generation Starlink network.

“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 wrote in the order.

In addition, the Commission has cleared SpaceX to orbit some second-generation satellites about 200 kilometers closer to Earth, which promises to reduce Starlink’s latency. Back in 2022, the company received FCC authority to operate a total of 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, but in orbits at over 500 kilometers away from the planet.

The news represents an important win for SpaceX, which has launched over 320 cellular Starlink satellites to seemingly complete the first stage of the “direct to cell” network. The company now has the green light to start serving US customers through its partner T-Mobile, giving eligible consumers a way to receive a signal in cellular dead zones. Ben Longmier, SpaceX’s senior director for satellite engineering, tweeted that the company plans on kicking off a beta service in the US soon, but first for employees.

I wonder if the return of President Trump got the FCC to change their mind about Starlink:

This is a good time to remind you all that the FCC revoked a billion dollar grant to Starlink that was going to connect rural areas of America. Today not a single dime of that money has connected any rural areas and people are now independently using Starlink to connect rural… pic.twitter.com/xRgNJRlClK

— Natalie F Danelishen (@Chesschick01) September 29, 2024

Tables are indeed turning.

In 2023, the Biden-Harris FCC revoked $900 million in funding for Starlink.

They just came crawling back to Elon:

pic.twitter.com/HfCDMFsUru

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 30, 2024

Trump knows the FCC needs new leadership:

Trump picks Brendan Carr to lead FCC — calls him ‘warrior for Free Speech’ https://t.co/O0FttLOPGG pic.twitter.com/X1p3CtR1kv

— New York Post (@nypost) November 18, 2024