Starlink Now Offers Light Mobile Phones Purchase with Specific Frequency Support

Starlink Steps Closer to Direct-to-Smartphone Internet Service

Elon Musk's satellite service, Starlink, has made a significant stride in its mission to provide direct internet supply to smartphones from space. The company, operated by SpaceX, has acquired radio frequencies worth approximately $17 billion from satellite company EchoStar.

SpaceX, the operator of the Starlink satellite network, has been launching satellites into space since last year. The newly acquired frequencies are intended for Starlink's direct-to-smartphone internet service, enabling the company to operate independently of traditional mobile providers.

The sale of frequency rights by EchoStar to SpaceX does not involve the previous sale to AT&T for $25 billion, a separate financial transaction. The ongoing investigation by the U.S. telecommunications regulator FCC into EchoStar's handling of satellite and mobile frequencies does not directly involve the sale of frequency rights to SpaceX for Starlink's direct-to-smartphone internet service.

Starlink's satellites are capable of reaching smartphones on the ground with their signal. This development marks a crucial step towards the realization of Starlink's direct-to-smartphone internet service, which is expected to be enabled by the newly acquired radio frequencies.

Interestingly, SpaceX operates the Starlink satellite network, which is an integral part of the U.S. Space Force's MILNET program. The service is accessible by U.S. military and intelligence agencies like NORAD, underscoring its potential significance for national security.

Despite the progress made, EchoStar has faced scrutiny from the FCC due to complaints about inactive satellite and mobile frequencies. However, the sale of frequency rights to SpaceX for Starlink's direct-to-smartphone internet service is not implicated in these complaints.

Prior to the acquisition of frequency rights, Starlink had been working with traditional mobile providers. The acquisition of these frequencies will facilitate Starlink's direct-to-smartphone internet service without the need for intermediary providers, potentially revolutionizing the way we access the internet.

As Starlink continues to make strides in its mission, the future of direct-to-smartphone internet service from space is looking increasingly promising.