SpaceX Gets FCC Approval for Global Satellite Mobile Service

SpaceX has received a critical regulatory green light from the US Federal Communications Commission to expand its satellite mobile service beyond American borders. The approval, granted on September 17, allows the company to provide international telecommunications services and resell connectivity abroad, marking a major step toward a unified global network.

This move paves the way for Starlink Mobile to connect standard smartphones directly to low Earth orbit satellites, eliminating the need for ground-based infrastructure in remote areas. However, the US license does not guarantee immediate service everywhere, as SpaceX must still navigate individual regulatory frameworks in each country where it aims to operate.

Regulatory path remains complex

According to UkrMedia News, the FCC decision grants SpaceX Global Facilities-Based and Resale Authority, which is the necessary legal foundation for cross-border operations. Yet, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Bret Johnson, has clarified that this is not a universal pass. SpaceX will likely have to negotiate spectrum usage and obtain local licenses on a case-by-case basis, similar to the process used for its standard internet service.

Current capabilities are limited

The first generation of Starlink Mobile, known as Direct to Cell, is already operational in several regions through partners like T-Mobile and Kyivstar. The service currently supports basic functions such as SMS, messaging apps, and emergency communications. It works with standard LTE smartphones without requiring special hardware or apps, but it is not designed for high-speed data or voice calls.

The primary goal of this initial phase is to cover cellular dead zones where ground networks fail. By connecting directly to satellites, users can maintain basic connectivity in rural or disaster-stricken areas. This represents a functional improvement over previous satellite phone technologies, which required dedicated, expensive devices.

Next generation targets 5G speeds

A significant upgrade is planned for 2027 with the deployment of Starlink Mobile V2 satellites. These new spacecraft will feature larger antennas and custom chips designed by SpaceX to support full 5G service levels. The company claims this generation will offer a 20-fold increase in bandwidth per satellite and over 100 times the total data density.

This expansion aims to enable high-speed data transmission, video streaming, and voice calls directly to mobile devices. While some reports cite peak download speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s, SpaceX has not officially guaranteed this figure for every user. Instead, the focus is on achieving 5G-level reliability and capacity, with partners like Japan’s KDDI already preparing to launch these advanced services in 2027.