FCC Approves SpaceX and T-Mobile's Direct-to-Cell Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2024 – The Federal Communications Commission approved Tuesday SpaceX and T-Mobile's bid to offer supplemental mobile coverage from space.

“This first-of-its-kind authorization is an exciting new development for the future of combined satellite and wireless communications. And it won’t be the last,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. “The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a Single Network Future that will put an end to mobile dead zones.”

SpaceX’s Starlink broadband satellites will be able to provide a basic connection, enough for texts or emergency communications, using slices of T-Mobile’s spectrum in areas the mobile carrier’s terrestrial network can’t reach. It’s the first such arrangement approved by the FCC.