At the end of last year, it became known that SpaceX intends to equip Starlink telecommunications satellites with equipment that will allow them to be used for cellular communications; ordinary smartphones will be able to connect without any modifications. It is now reported that Elon Mask’s company (Elon Mask) plans to begin testing satellite cellular communications services using the 840 spacecraft early next month.

This week, SpaceX applied to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a license that would allow experimental testing of a cellular service using Starlink satellites. At the same time, the regulator is considering the feasibility of granting SpaceX a full-fledged license that would allow it to offer cellular services to customers, as there are concerns about how high quality the services will be.

Documents filed with the FCC show SpaceX made the request “special temporary powers” A series of tests will be carried out over a 180-day period, starting on December 10. During this time, SpaceX, in partnership with T-Mobile, plans to test cellular communications using the mobile operator’s licensed frequency spectrum to transmit signals from satellites to 2,000 test devices.

“During the 180-day experiment period, SpaceX plans to operate approximately 840 satellites with payloads for direct cellular communications. At any given time, 60 of the 840 satellites will serve cellular phones in the United States under this experimental permit.”, – says the SpaceX application. At this stage, the company wants to test cellular satellite communications in 13 locations across the country, including Mountain View in California, Kansas City in Kansas and Houston in Texas.

It should also be noted that this is not SpaceX’s first application for cellular testing. A similar application was made in October, with the company planning to get permission to test within 60 days. However, at the time, SpaceX’s application faced opposition from AT&T and the Rural Wireless Association, which said the company should apply to the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology for a temporary license. SpaceX’s application this week was aimed at exactly this part of the FCC.