- SpaceX buys spectrum for $17.000 billion (AWS-4 and H-block) to boost Starlink Direct to Cell.
- T-Mobile launches service in the US with SMS, emergencies, and limited data; more than 50 compatible phones.
- Technical deployment underway: D2C satellites, future V3 waves, and 5G support with advanced LTE-like speeds.
- Operators and the GSMA are calling for clear rules to prevent interference and promote commercial agreements.
The race to lead direct signal to mobile phones from space has taken an important turn. SpaceX has strengthened its commitment to Starlink Direct to Cell with new spectrum resources. and a strategy that prioritizes coverage wherever the sky is visible.
In parallel, operators and regulators are making moves to accommodate this D2D (Direct to Device) connectivity In the mobile ecosystem. Between agreements with operators like T-Mobile and technical coordination requirements, the rollout is entering a key phase to turn the promise into everyday service.
The decisive move: spectrum and competitive advantage
SpaceX closed the acquisition of EchoStar's AWS-4 and H-block licenses for approximately $17.000 billion. of dollars in a mixed operation: 8.500 billion in cash, 8.500 billion in shares and the assumption of approximately 2.000 billion in debt interest until 2027.
The agreement grants exclusive rights to some 50 MHz of spectrum around 2 GHz, ideal for satellite-mobile linksAWS-4 is a broad and versatile block for data (4G/5G), while H-block (1915–1920 and 1995–2000 MHz) complements service continuity.
According to industry analysis, this move not only opens the lane for Direct to Cell coverage at scale, but also clears the competitive playing field: EchoStar abandons its own plans after canceling a $1.300 billion contract with MDA Space to build its constellation.
The operation came in a context of Regulatory pressure: The FCC was investigating EchoStar's effective use of spectrum, a key requirement to avoid hoarding and accelerate the deployment of real services.
Strategically, SpaceX integrates under the same umbrella satellites, launchers and frequencies, a vertical integration which reduces costs and shortens times between designs, manufacturing and commissioning.
This is how Starlink Direct to Cell will work (and what are the deadlines)
La Starlink's D2C constellation now has more than 600 satellites. capable of offering 4G connectivity in scenarios without terrestrial coverage, with the idea that the phone connects to the satellite when the mobile network signal is lost.
With the new 5G spectrum and protocols, SpaceX plans to massively increase service capacityFuture V3 satellites, launched in batches by Starship, will increase network power and throughput, with inter-satellite laser links to reduce latency and improve resilience.
In terms of experience, The company is targeting speeds comparable to LTE Advanced (≈100 Mbps) in favorable environments, with a phased implementation: first messages and emergencies, then voice, and finally generalized data.
SpaceX also works with semiconductor manufacturers to integrate a satellite modem own in next-generation chipsets, avoiding accessory solutions and facilitating native compatibility on standard smartphones.
Timeframes depend on the pace of releases and integration with the industry: A progressive expansion is expected from the next satellite cycles, with expanded testing before global availability in the next two years.
The US as a test bed: T-Mobile and compatible phones
The alliance with T-Mobile makes The United States is the first market with large-scale commercial implementation.. From the October 1, users will begin to see automatic switching to the satellite when there is no coverage, identified on screen as “T‑Mobile SpaceX.”
The initial phase prioritizes Selective SMS, MMS, and emergency calls (911), with data in apps optimized for efficient bandwidth use (e.g., Maps or messaging). Support is supported by nearly 400 low-orbit satellites.
The operator has listed more than 50 references of compatible phones at this stageCompatibility varies by model and will be expanded through software updates and new satellite batches.
- Google: Pixel 10/10 Pro/10 Pro XL and Pixel X Fold with text, MMS, and data out of the box; Pixel 9/9 Pro (and variants) with text and MMS, data later; Pixel 9a with text.
- Apple iPhone 13 through iPhone 17 support messaging from the start; voice and data will arrive via updates.
- Samsung: : Rolling support; models like the Galaxy A15/A25/A35/A53/A54 and S22/S23/S24/S25 series will be adding data in stages; foldables from the Z Flip5/Z Fold5 onwards.
- Motorola: Recent Edge, G 5G, Power 5G, and Razr series with text and MMS, with data coming later.
- REVVL: REVVL 7/7 Pro/8 and 5G variants with initial messaging support.
This wave approach avoids early saturation of the system and will allow adjustment protocols, power and management of radio resources as the constellation expands and functions mature.
What operators and the GSMA say
Major operators have shown reservations about sharing or enabling their spectrum for direct satellite use, citing risks of interference and degradation of the land mobile service if technical and regulatory safeguards are not established.
The GSMA published its “Spectrum for D2D” guide with a proposal for regulatory framework that facilitates trade agreements, international coordination, and protection of the mobile ecosystem. He argues that D2D can expand reach and resilience if managed rigorously.
The document distinguishes between the use of IMT spectrum (allows standard phones) and MSS (requires specific chips), with different implications for licensing, power, and coexistence. Several countries are already exploring licensing and testing under these modalities.
In the short term, an increase in bilateral agreements between satellites and mobile operators to integrate D2C coverage into existing rates, avoiding duplications and ensuring service continuity.
Technical, regulatory and market challenges
Full interoperability between satellites and mobiles requires advances in antennas, energy management of devices and protocol optimization for low-latency voice and data.
The harmonization of spectrum licenses country to country remains an operational barrier, with different schedules and conditions that SpaceX and its partners will have to navigate.
Economically, adoption will depend on the affordable integration hardware in phones and competitive prices compared to the terrestrial network, especially in cost-sensitive markets.
The growth of the constellation requires strengthening the orbital traffic management and space debris mitigation, an area under international scrutiny for its long-term impact.
With the acquisition of spectrum, the push for Starship, and the first integrations with operators, Starlink is positioned to take direct-to-mobile signal from pilot to mass service. If technical and regulatory coordination is forthcoming, The mobile coverage map may change forever.
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