spacetoday.net: FCC approves Starlink direct-to-device services

Posted: Fri, Nov 29, 2024, 7:23 AM ET (1223 GMT)
The FCC has granted SpaceX conditional approval to provide direct-to-smartphone services in the United States. The FCC said Tuesday that SpaceX could use its Gen2 satellites to provide those services on cellular frequencies assigned to T-Mobile, SpaceX's partner. Of the more than 2,600 Gen2 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit, around 320 are equipped with direct-to-smartphone payloads, enough to enable the texting services SpaceX has said it could launch this year. The FCC deferred deciding whether to allow these satellites to increase their radio emission power, which SpaceX has said is needed to support higher bandwidth capabilities such as real-time voice and video calls, but will allow SpaceX to operate satellites in lower orbits, at altitudes of 340 to 360 kilometers. The FCC's approval for nationwide service came after temporary authorizations in Florida and North Carolina this fall after hurricanes there. T-Mobile said Starlink handled more than 100,000 text messages and 120 wireless emergency alerts.