Starlink Launching 5G Service with Major Satellite Expansion

Key Takeaways

1. SpaceX is seeking FCC approval to launch 15,000 new V3 generation direct-to-cell satellites to enhance mobile service coverage.
2. The new satellites will provide 20 times the throughput of the current Starlink V2 satellites, enabling full 5G service for mobile phones.
3. Plans include expanding the Starlink ground station network to improve coverage, speed, and reduce latency, with projected speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
4. SpaceX aims to establish itself as a major player in the mobile network industry, akin to traditional carriers like AT&T and Verizon.
5. The launch of the V3 satellites depends on the success of the Starship 3 rocket tests, with a targeted launch date for the satellites set for 2026.

SpaceX is getting ready to send a huge number of direct-to-cell satellites into orbit, aiming to create the largest satellite constellation that will transmit its new 5G service to mobile phones on Earth.

Launching a New Era

In its latest application, SpaceX is asking the FCC to approve the launch of an astonishing 15,000 new V3 generation direct-to-cell satellites. These new satellites are designed to provide 20 times the throughput of the current roughly 650 V2 satellites that Starlink uses for mobile service.

Currently, the Starlink direct-to-cell satellites can only enable messaging and limited data for certain optimized apps through partnerships, such as the T-Satellite service with T-Mobile. With the new fleet of up to 15,000 V3 satellites, Starlink expects to establish a cellular network capable of delivering 5G data to any phone on the ground.

Expanding the Network

In its filing, SpaceX also plans to grow its extensive network of Starlink ground stations to enhance coverage, improve speeds, and reduce latency. The Starlink 5G service is projected to reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps, similar to what the Starlink Mini dish currently provides, but this will be achieved through a special satellite modem chip inside carrier phones.

As for partnerships, while SpaceX is making deals with companies like T-Mobile for Starlink satellite connections, it appears to have ambitions to become the first space carrier in the world. Thanks to the vast spectrum it acquired for $17 billion from Dish’s parent company, Elon Musk mentioned that “you should be able to have Starlink like you have an AT&T, or T-Mobile, or Verizon [service]” in the near future.

A Game Changer

It’s clear that such a Starlink 5G service could transform the industry, even if Musk tends to downplay its potential due to the fact that U.S. carriers still “own a lot of spectrum.” While the Starlink 5G network may only offer downloads of 100 Mbps, that speed is comparable to the median LTE speeds offered by Verizon and AT&T just last year.

All these ambitious plans depend on the successful tests of the Starship 3 rocket, which will be used to launch the V3 satellites that are about the size of a Boeing 737 when deployed. SpaceX is aiming for the first flight of the Starship 3 this year and hopes to launch the V3 satellites in 2026, which will also allow it to activate its gigabit speed network for dedicated devices like the new Performance dish.

Source:
Link