The end of ‘dead zones’? Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite service reaches a major milestone
- Starlink and T-Mobile satellite partnership approved by FCC in the US
- First green-lit collaboration between satellite operator and mobile network
- Europe is seeing a similar test between Deutsche Telekom and Skylo
Starlink has taken a major step forward in the fight against so-called cellular ‘dead zones’ where no phone signal can be obtained, using satellites to provide the necessary coverage in areas where a mobile network cannot reach.
In the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given Starlink approval to use its satellites in partnership with T-Mobile, giving users on that network coverage for remote locations.
The edge reports that this direct-to-cell satellite service is the first such partnership between a satellite operator and a mobile network to receive the green light from the FCC.
The FCC said: “The Commission recognized that connectivity between satellites and devices can support critical public interest benefits, including ubiquitous connectivity, access to 911 services from remote areas, technological advancements, and innovative spectrum uses.”
Starlink and T-Mobile were given temporary permission in October, The Verge points out, to provide service to those affected by Hurricane Helene. However, this is the FCC granting Starlink a full U.S. commercial license for its direct-to-cell program.
Starlink first tested this satellite solution in January 2024, just after the first satellites were launched by SpaceX.
Ben Longmier, senior director of Satellite Engineering at SpaceX, continues observed that: “Any telecom provider that signs up with Starlink Direct to Cell can completely eliminate dead zones for text and data services for their entire country.”
Only basic text capabilities will be offered initially, with data or voice support not expected to debut until next year.
Analysis: Text first – then video chat?
Bringing mobile (and internet) coverage to remote areas where there is no phone signal at all is a challenging problem, so it’s good to see what appears to be a viable solution that could be deployed commercially in the future.
While, as noted, this direct-to-cell satellite system can provide text and Internet services in areas where terrestrial cellular coverage is not available, there is some controversy about where to draw the line when it comes to expanding this mission to real -time voice communication possible. or even video calls.
Clearly, this raises the stakes in terms of bandwidth, and The Verge notes that this would mean SpaceX would go above current power density limits – which US mobile operators (AT&T and Verizon) fear could compromise their existing network coverage can disrupt.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, in a similar vein, there has been a collaboration between Deutsche Telekom, Qualcomm and Skylo, combining the mobile network of a mobile operator (Deutsche Telekom) with a satellite network (Skylo) and in this way creating a SMS was sent. – for the first time ever in Europe (using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 5G modem).
Phone Arena has noted this development and lets us know that it is only a proof-of-concept at the moment, but a solid step forward towards commercializing the same kind of satellite services for remote areas in Europe. The report points to another challenge, in addition to providing sufficient bandwidth for heavier services such as voice or video – namely weather and its interference with satellite coverage.
