(Photo illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
SpaceX is looking to roll out its second-generation cellular Starlink system sometime in 2027.
The company mentioned the date in a new FCC filing that discusses its existing cellular Starlink service, which is available through T-Mobile in the US. “But this is only the beginning: SpaceX has also invested in spectrum that will enable it to launch a greatly enhanced second generation direct-to-device system in 2027,” writes David Goldman, SpaceX’s VP for satellite policy.
The 2027 date isn’t a surprise. In September, SpaceX reached a $17 billion agreement to acquire radio spectrum from EchoStar to upgrade its cellular Starlink service. But the deal isn’t scheduled to close until Nov. 30, 2027, so SpaceX can cover about $2 billion in cash interest payments on EchoStar’s debt obligations. The company can elect to close the acquisition earlier, but it will be more expensive.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also mentioned a “two-year timeframe” last fall, citing the need for phone manufacturers to integrate chips capable of receiving signals from the EchoStar spectrum, which includes the 1.9GHz and 2GHz bands. The other hurdle is that the company needs to launch next-gen satellites capable of harnessing the additional radio spectrum. This includes operating a new 15,000-satellite constellation, which is still waiting for FCC approval.
Still, 2027 isn't far and signals that SpaceX plans to move quickly to upgrade its cellular Starlink tech as it faces competition from rivals, including AST SpaceMobile and Apple partner Globalstar, which are developing their own satellite-to-phone services.
(Credit: PCMag/Michael Kan)SpaceX's current cellular Starlink tech already offers data connectivity in cellular dead zones for video calls, messaging, and even app access—but bandwidth remains constrained. In contrast, the second-generation cellular Starlink promises to offer 5G-like connectivity, “enabling an overall capacity increase of more than 100 times that of the first-generation constellation and more than 20 times the throughput capability,” SpaceX says.
"We can have real high-speed internet to the phone everywhere," Goldman said at an event last month. "We're not too far away from having a world where with consumer perspective, you don't know you're on the satellite system."
The SpaceX executive submitted the FCC filing as the regulator considers auctioning radio spectrum from 3.98 to 4.2GHz also known as the "upper C-bands" for next-generation wireless services. In the filing, Goldman urged the FCC to consider the spectrum for both “terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks,” including satellite services. As a result, he's calling for the FCC to "promote deployment of satellite services in C-band by reserving a portion of spectrum in Upper C-band for next-generation satellite use, on a flexible-use basis.
"The Commission can no longer afford to treat satellite service alongside terrestrial networks as an afterthought or an exotic experiment," he added. "Satellite coverage must be an essential element of the Commission’s planning in each terrestrial wireless band to ensure that all Americans receive ubiquitous and resilient network access."