SpaceX has requested that radio frequencies be allocated for Starlink satellites so that they can communicate directly by telephone. This was reported by Space News.

The satellites of the Starlink system are located in low orbits, which allows to increase the connection speed and reduce the signal delay. In this way, the Starlink Internet connection provides low ping regardless of the subscriber’s location, but requires a pizza box-sized subscriber terminal to operate.

On December 6, SpaceX filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission to allow it to directly deploy cellular equipment on 2,000 Starlink gen 2 satellites. This will allow the satellites to act as a base station and send audio. (calls) and SMS messages, as well as access to the Internet outside the coverage area of ​​base stations. “When fully deployed, this equipment will allow SpaceX to provide full and continuous coverage of Earth within +58 to -58 latitudes by mid-2024.”– say company representatives.

So far, it’s just about working in the USA. Internet connection speeds are expected to be 18.3 Mbps from satellite to phone and 7.2 Mbps from phone to satellite.