A week after the FCC’s initial partial approval to deploy the first set of Starlink Gen2 satellites featuring satellite-to-cellular technology, on December 14, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued SpaceX an “experimental Special Temporary Authorization” (STA) to conduct tests for its satellite-to-cellular Starlink system. The authorized trial spans over two dozen locations across the United States, involving beaming Starlink satellite connectivity to unmodified T-Mobile phones on the ground. According to the FCC approval document, SpaceX has been granted 180 days, until June 14, 2024, to complete the testing program. “
“Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner,” says SpaceX.
The FCC’s decision to greenlight these tests comes amid concerns raised by telecom competitors like AT&T, Dish Network, and Globalstar, expressing worries about potential radio interference from SpaceX’s cellular Starlink system. SpaceX countered these concerns, asserting that the system would benefit consumers without posing a hazard nor interference to radio signals.
During the upcoming satellite-to-cellular tests, SpaceX plans to utilize 840 Starlink satellites, each functioning as an orbiting cell tower, to transmit connectivity to 2,000 test devices (including smartphones) across the United States. Originally targeting 13 locations, the company later included 12 “radioastronomy sites” in its test locations, encompassing areas such as Mountain View, California; Kansas City, Kansas; Redmond, Washington; and Dallas, Texas. The locations are detailed in the document, pictured below.
Source: FCC STA Document
SpaceX is targeting a 2024 launch of the cellular Starlink system for T-Mobile, with initial tests focusing on text messaging and plans for voice and data services slated to roll out until 2025. The FCC’s STA will enable Starlink to demonstrate its technology and the commission to oversee operations. The tests aim to assess the system’s impact on radio interference across the U.S., addressing concerns from other carriers and satellite providers. “In the event of any harmful interference caused under this grant of STA [special temporary authorization], SpaceX must immediately cease operations upon notification of such interference,” the FCC states in the STA document. “SpaceX must immediately inform the Commission, in writing, of such an event.” If all goes well, SpaceX will be on track to revolutionize mobile communications with Starlink satellite-to-cellular services. Read more in the related stories linked below.
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