The FCC also granted Starlink's request to provide service to cell phones (aka "direct-to-cell") outside the United States. For non-US operations, Starlink must obtain authorization from the relevant governments. The non-US operations are authorized in various sub-bands between 1429 MHz and 2690 MHz.

T-Mobile and Starlink have been working since 2022 to bring direct-to-cell satellite service to T-Mobile subscribers. Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has signed off, in an industry-first. The commission says bringing satellite cell service to mobile customers has "critical public interest benefits."

The FCC has granted SpaceX permission to go forward with plans to offer a direct-to-phone version of its Starlink satellite internet service, with

However, as The Verge points out, there are some restrictions in the FCC filing. SpaceX cannot yet increase the radio emission power of its Starlink satellites. Companies such as

The US regulator is also allowing SpaceX to orbit some of the company's Starlink satellites closer to Earth, which should reduce latency.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week approved SpaceX to provide satellite coverage direct to mobile devices through its Starlink service. It will allow SpaceX to push forward with its partnership with T-Mobile to deploy mobile signal connectivity from space to cover dead spots.

The FCC approved T-Mobile and SpaceX's license to provide supplemental telecom coverage from space to eliminate dead zones.

What Happened: The FCC has granted SpaceX a U.S. commercial license for its Starlink Direct-to-Cell service. This license allows SpaceX to operate its Gen2 Starlink satellites for non-geostationary orbit fixed-satellite services.

Using satellites as a backup for cell service, and providing coverage in areas where traditional service doesn't cover, just took a big step forward.