SpaceX has just received approval from the FCC for its acquisition of 65 megahertz of nationwide spectrum from EchoStar, a major milestone for the company’s Starlink direct-to-device service. This approval paves the way for SpaceX to connect Starlink directly to regular smartphones on a commercial scale, a move that could revolutionize connectivity for users around the world.
One of the key advantages of this acquisition is that it provides SpaceX with exclusive, contiguous spectrum to work with. This is crucial because shared or fragmented spectrum can cause interference, making it difficult to deliver reliable high-speed connectivity from satellites in low-earth orbit to smartphones. The spectrum acquisition includes three bands: 15 megahertz of AWS-3, 40 megahertz of AWS-4, and 10 megahertz of H-Block.
In addition to the spectrum acquisition, the FCC has also granted SpaceX several regulatory waivers that allow the company to integrate terrestrial and space-based network infrastructure. This means that Starlink D2D will be able to reach areas where traditional cell towers may not be economically feasible to build, expanding connectivity to underserved regions.
However, SpaceX will need to meet strict performance obligations as part of the approval process. This includes delivering meaningful coverage to the public and ensuring that the spectrum is utilized effectively.
Brendan Carr, head of the FCC, praised the approval, stating, “Thanks to President Trump, America is leading the world again. Today, the FCC approved two major transactions that mean faster Internet, stronger competition, and global leadership in next-gen Internet from space (D2D). These FCC approvals unlock big wins for consumers!”
For consumers who have experienced connectivity issues in rural or remote areas, this approval represents a significant step towards making satellite-to-phone service a viable option in the near future. With this regulatory groundwork in place, SpaceX is poised to deliver reliable and high-speed connectivity to users around the world, bridging the digital divide and bringing connectivity to even the most remote locations.