Starlink is a satellite Internet service developed by SpaceX that aims to provide high-speed Internet access to remote and underserved areas. The network consists of a group of small satellites in low Earth orbit that work together to provide broadband Internet access. As of September 2022, the group consists of more than 3,000 satellites, with about 12,000 planned to be deployed in total. As of June 2022, the service has over 500,000 subscribers, but Elon Musk wants more. Apparently, SpaceX working to allow users to connect their smartphones directly to the Starlink network.

To use SpaceX’s Starlink, the user must have certain equipment such as antenna and receiver. However, SpaceX is working on a technology that will allow users to connect their smartphones directly to the Starlink network, eliminating the need for special equipment. This will make it easier for users to access high-speed internet from space and take advantage of Starlink capabilities.

SpaceX has filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to equip some of its second-generation Starlink satellites with “direct cellular” hardware. This will allow users to connect their smartphones directly to the Starlink network, giving them high-speed internet access from space.

SpaceX has already launched 3,500 first-generation Starlink satellites and has received FCC approval to launch another 7,500 “Gen2” satellites by the end of the decade. With the new “direct cellular” hardware, the company hopes to provide users with voice, messaging and basic web browsing services at theoretical top speeds of up to 18.3 Mbps on downlink.

The app is an important step towards SpaceX’s goal of providing smartphone service through T-Mobile. In August, the company announced plans to connect two data networks in an effort to eliminate mobile dead zones in the US.

Other companies, such as Texas-based AST SpaceMobile, are also working on space mobile broadband services. However, SpaceX’s large constellation of satellites and its partnership with T-Mobile give it a significant edge in the race to provide reliable Internet access from space. If all goes according to plan, SpaceX could offer “full and permanent” smartphone coverage with 2,000 equipped Gen2 satellites as early as 2024.