SpaceX is making waves in the telecom industry with plans to expand its Direct to Cell Starlink network. The company has filed a request with the FCC to launch up to 15,000 next-generation satellites to support cellular service, as reported by PCMag.
This move comes shortly after SpaceX’s announcement of a $17 billion deal with Boost Mobile parent EchoStar to acquire valuable wireless spectrum. The expanded satellite constellation aims to provide widespread connectivity to mobile devices and other user terminals, offering performance levels comparable to 4G LTE.
Starlink introduced its first Direct to Cell satellites in January 2024 and completed the deployment of its first-generation constellation earlier this year. With over 650 satellites in orbit, Direct to Cell currently offers satellite text messaging and recently expanded to support data connectivity for popular apps like Google Maps and WhatsApp.
During World Space Business Week, SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell revealed plans to test Direct to Cell service on the newly acquired spectrum by late 2026. The company is collaborating with chipmakers to integrate the necessary hardware directly into smartphones, although mainstream chipset support for the new frequencies is still a couple of years away.
The FCC filing also suggests a hybrid satellite-terrestrial system, potentially deploying ground-based systems in the U.S. to enhance coverage and capacity. This long-term strategy could position SpaceX to compete directly with traditional carriers in the future.
In the U.S., T-Mobile is currently the exclusive Starlink cellular partner, with Boost Mobile set to gain access through the EchoStar deal. SpaceX has not ruled out the possibility of launching its own standalone cellular service down the line.
If approved, the 15,000-satellite constellation would mark SpaceX’s most significant expansion of the Direct to Cell system yet, solidifying its position as a disruptive force in the telecom and satellite industries.