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The company launched its first direct-to-cellphone Starlink satellites in January.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX to transmit directly from its Starlink satellite constellation to unmodified mobile phones.
SpaceX was authorized to transmit in an order issued by the regulator on Nov. 26.
In partnership with T-Mobile, SpaceX has said it aims to launch texting services via its Starlink low-Earth-orbit constellation by year’s end and roll out voice, data and internet-of-things service in 2025. The company launched its first direct-to-cellular Starlink satellites into orbit in January.
SpaceX aims to provide connectivity to mobile phone users and internet-of-things devices in areas outside of the reach of terrestrial cell towers, often rural or remote regions. Its service is designed to work on unmodified mobile phones. Some rivals, such as Apple, have developed satellite-to-cell services that work with upgraded phones.
In October, the FCC issued special permission to SpaceX and T-Mobile to use the Starlink constellation to broadcast emergency alerts and test basic texting capabilities in areas of North Carolina where Hurricane Helene had knocked out terrestrial cellular service.
SpaceX has been providing internet service via its Starlink satellites since 2020. But that service is provided via dedicated flat panel antennas.
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