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SpaceX has signed a purchase agreement with EchoStar for 50 MHz of exclusive S-band spectrum in the United States and global Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum licenses. The company said the deal will power the next generation of its Starlink Direct to Cell constellation, which aims to “provide broadband service to cell phones globally” without requiring special hardware or apps.
In January 2024, SpaceX began deploying satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities to address mobile dead zones, which covered over 20 percent of U.S. land and 90 percent of Earth’s surface at the time. Days after launch, the Starlink team successfully sent text messages using unmodified cell phones. By spring, the company demonstrated video calling, and within 18 months had more than 600 Direct to Cell satellites in orbit. According to SpaceX, the first-generation constellation is now operational across five continents and has become “the largest 4G coverage provider on planet Earth,” serving over six million users.
The satellites connect through Starlink’s 8,000-strong laser-linked constellation, orbiting at 360 kilometers to optimize links between phones and satellites. SpaceX developed specialized payloads, antennas, and a core network to integrate with existing LTE phones. “The service works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky – no changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required,” the company noted.
Partnerships with major mobile operators, including T-Mobile (U.S.), Rogers (Canada), KDDI (Japan), and Kyivstar (Ukraine), have enabled millions to connect in areas without traditional service. Starlink highlighted its role in emergencies, stating that Direct to Cell powered “life-saving connectivity” during U.S. hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, with more than 1.5 million people able to communicate when terrestrial networks failed.
The new spectrum agreement will allow the next-generation satellites to achieve significant performance gains. SpaceX said the system will deliver “around 20x the throughput capability as compared to a first-generation satellite” and an overall “capacity increase of more than 100x.” The company claims this will enable full 5G cellular connectivity comparable to terrestrial LTE, while also supporting Internet of Things (IoT) devices in remote areas.
“While we have made progress to help end mobile dead zones, our work is just beginning,” SpaceX stated, noting that over half the world’s land mass remains uncovered. With expanded spectrum, advanced satellite technology, and Starship’s launch capacity, the company said it is committed to delivering “unparalleled performance to standard, unmodified cell phones and IoT devices” worldwide.
