SpaceX and EchoStar have recently announced a groundbreaking deal that will see SpaceX acquiring 50 MHz of exclusive S-band spectrum in the United States, along with global Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) licenses. This deal marks a significant milestone for SpaceX’s Starlink Direct to Cell constellation, paving the way for the next generation of mobile connectivity.
The agreement with EchoStar will bolster Starlink’s capacity to expand its mobile coverage on a global scale. With the upgraded system, SpaceX is aiming to provide full 5G connectivity to unmodified cell phones and eliminate mobile dead zones around the world.
The Starlink Direct to Cell service was initially launched in early 2024, with satellites specifically designed to connect directly to standard LTE mobile devices. In a matter of days after deployment, engineers were able to demonstrate texting and video calling capabilities from unmodified phones. Over the past 18 months, SpaceX has expanded the system to include over 600 satellites, offering service across five continents. Today, Starlink Direct to Cell is recognized as the largest 4G coverage provider globally, connecting over 6 million users and counting.
The constellation seamlessly integrates with Starlink’s broader fleet of 8,000 satellites through a laser mesh network. Positioned at 360 kilometers above Earth, the satellites establish direct connections to devices without the need for hardware or firmware modifications. The system currently supports messaging, video calls, navigation, social media apps, and IoT connectivity in remote areas.
With the acquisition of EchoStar spectrum, SpaceX is now gearing up to develop a second-generation constellation with significantly enhanced capacity. The upgraded satellites will leverage SpaceX-designed silicon and advanced phased array antennas to boost throughput by 20 times per satellite and increase total system capacity by over 100 times. These improvements are expected to enable full 5G cellular connectivity in remote areas, delivering performance comparable to terrestrial LTE networks.
Partnerships with major mobile carriers are central to Starlink’s expansion strategy. Operators such as T-Mobile in the United States, Rogers in Canada, KDDI in Japan, and Kyivstar in Ukraine are already integrating Direct to Cell services to extend coverage in rural areas and enhance communication during emergencies. The service has proven invaluable during natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, facilitating the delivery of millions of SMS messages and emergency alerts when ground networks were unavailable.
In conclusion, the collaboration between SpaceX and EchoStar signifies a significant advancement in mobile connectivity technology. With the development of a next-generation constellation and strategic partnerships with mobile carriers, Starlink is poised to revolutionize global mobile communication and bridge the gap in connectivity for underserved areas.