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.

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

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 T-Mobile license is the first collaboration between a satellite operator and wireless carrier to be approved by the FCC to provide supplemental cell coverage from space. “The Commission recognized that satellite-to-device connectivity can support 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

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.

T-Mobile plans already offer some of the best value in the business with their reasonable pricing and top-tier coverage. Now that supplemental Starlink service has been approved by the FCC, the value proposition has become even stronger. Apple's iOS 18.2 update is coming out in early December with big changes to the Mail app. Here's what's new.

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.