FCC Greenlights Starlink's Satellite-to-Cell Service with Restrictions
TL;DR
The FCC has approved Starlink's plan to offer cellular phone services, including texting this year and voice and data by 2025, with certain limitations. Starlink must coordinate with other spectrum users to avoid interference and has not yet received approval to exceed emissions limits necessary for real-time communications. The approval allows Starlink to operate up to 7,500 second-generation satellites at lower altitudes, enhancing low-latency services in remote areas. SpaceX is also required to coordinate with NASA to protect the ISS and related missions.
- FCC approves Starlink plan for cellular phone service, with some limits Ars Technica
- SpaceX gets conditional approval for direct-to-smartphone service SpaceNews
- End of mobile tower! Smartphone to now directly connect with satellite, big challenge for Mukesh Ambani, Suni India.com
- SpaceX's Starlink Direct-To-Cell Service Gets Commercial License From FCC: Here's What It Means Benzinga
- Starlink gets FCC nod for space calls, but can't dial up full power The Register
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