SpaceX launched the first Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability in January 2024. Photo: SpaceX

The FCC gave SpaceX approval to operate satellite direct-to-cellular service with T-Mobile in an order released Nov. 26. 

This is the FCC’s first instance of approving supplemental coverage from space (SCS) — in which satellites communicate directly with unmodified cell phones using mobile network operator (MNO) spectrum, to “supplement” the reach of the MNO’s network. The FCC adopted a new regulatory framework in March to allow for SCS, the first regulatory framework of its kind. 

T-Mobile and SpaceX have been working together since 2022 to enable this service and allow T-Mobile customers to send messages via Starlink satellites in rural and remote areas. During Hurricane Helene and Milton this past fall, the FCC granted T-Mobile and SpaceX special temporary authority to operate direct-to-cellular service in affected areas. SpaceX and T-Mobile have also tested wireless emergency alerts delivered via satellite. 

SpaceX has been launching more capable Starlink satellites that can provide this service. Ben Longmier, senior director of Satellite Engineering for SpaceX recently said that only one more launch remains for the first commercial orbital shell of direct-to-cell satellites to be complete.

Sharing the new FCC authorization, Longmier posted on X that Starlink plans to activate employee beta service in the U.S. soon. 

 “Thank you to the FCC and Chair Jessica Rosenworcel for your support and approval of SpaceX’s D2D application. Our partnership on T-Mobile/Starlink is an effort to eliminate dead zones with direct-to-cell satellite coverage. We’re excited to help provide connectivity for our customers no matter where they are in the U.S.,” T-Mobile President of Technology Ulf Ewaldsson said in a statement.