(Photo by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
SpaceX’s cellular Starlink tech for phones may not launch this fall as originally planned, according to new comments from the company’s partner T-Mobile.
In an interview with CNBC, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert briefly talked about his company’s plans to bring satellite connectivity to phones through the Starlink partnership.
“We think we’re on track for a beta program of the direct-satellite-to-cellular program that we announced a while back—it could start late this year or early into next year,” he said.
The comment arrives months after SpaceX told the US Federal Communications Commission in May that it wanted to launch its cellular Starlink service in the US “this fall.” SpaceX’s official website for the “direct to cell” capability also says it will offer satellite-based text messaging sometime this year before rolling out voice and data connectivity in 2025.
Sievert didn’t say why there might be a delay, but the mention of the beta program suggests that T-Mobile will launch Starlink connectivity at a small scale before a wider rollout.
SpaceX previously indicated it needs to launch about 300 cellular Starlink satellites in Earth’s orbit before it can begin offering the service to US customers. On Friday, the company launched another batch of satellites, bringing the total number to just over 200.
So it’s possible SpaceX could reach the 300 threshold in the coming weeks or months — in time for the company to launch the cellular Starlink capability later this year as a beta. Still, one obstacle facing SpaceX and T-Mobile is US regulations. The companies still need to receive clearance from the FCC before they can begin offering cellular Starlink to US users.
The other issue is that SpaceX is urging the commission to let it operate cellular Starlink satellites beyond normal radio frequency limits. The increase in radio emissions promises to boost the satellites’ signal quality, enabling real-time video and voice calls.
Both SpaceX and T-Mobile want to offer the satellite connectivity as a way to serve users in cellular dead zones, including emergency responders working in remote areas. But AT&T and Verizon—which are backing a rival satellite provider—have urged the FCC to deny SpaceX’s request to exceed the radio frequency limits over concerns it’ll generate interference, disrupting their own ground-based networks.
In the meantime, SpaceX has been conducting private tests of the cellular Starlink satellites, which have been able to deliver download speeds as high as 17Mbps. The same connectivity can also work on unmodified iPhones, Pixel phones, and Samsung Galaxy devices in both outdoor and indoor environments.
SpaceX didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.