SpaceX is setting its sights on achieving peak download speeds of 150Mbps per user for its upcoming Direct-to-Cell Starlink service. This exciting update was announced by Udrivolf Pica, SpaceX’s Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs Lead, during the International Telecommunication Union’s Space Connect conference.
Pica revealed during the conference that SpaceX is targeting impressive peak speeds of 150Mbps per user, which would be a remarkable feat given the link budgets involved in transmitting data from space to mobile devices. This ambitious goal represents a significant improvement over the current performance of the Starlink Direct-to-Cell service.
Currently, SpaceX’s cellular Starlink service, operated in collaboration with T-Mobile under the T-Satellite brand, offers speeds of around 4Mbps per user. This service is primarily intended for basic communication needs such as texts, low-resolution video calls, and select apps in areas where traditional cellular coverage is lacking.
In comparison, data from Ookla shows that T-Mobile and AT&T in the United States have median 5G download speeds of approximately 309Mbps and 172Mbps, respectively. While 150Mbps would still lag behind the fastest terrestrial 5G networks, it would bring satellite-to-phone broadband much closer to conventional carrier performance, especially in remote regions.
Pica also mentioned that the upgraded system would support a wider range of services including video, voice, and data, moving beyond just emergency connectivity and basic messaging. To achieve this target, SpaceX plans to enhance its existing Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellites and increase capacity significantly. The recent acquisition of radio spectrum from EchoStar is seen as crucial for expanding throughput and improving service quality.
With plans to deploy an additional 15,000 Direct-to-Cell satellites on top of the existing 650, SpaceX aims to roll out the upgraded architecture by late 2027. This expansion will enable the company to offer enhanced cellular broadband services, catering to a variety of connectivity needs including AI applications and daily internet usage.
Overall, SpaceX’s ambitious goals for the Direct-to-Cell Starlink service signal an exciting new chapter in the evolution of satellite-based broadband connectivity. The advancements in speed and capacity promise to bring reliable high-speed internet access to a wider range of users, bridging the gap between satellite and terrestrial networks.