Elon Musk recently shared an ambitious vision for the Starlink system after SpaceX acquired a $17 billion spectrum from EchoStar. Musk aims for Starlink to become the sole source of internet, both at home and on the move.
During an interview, he highlighted plans to integrate Starlink’s home internet with mobile services, although he admitted that SpaceX currently cannot compete with major telecom operators like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, who hold much larger spectrum resources. When asked about potentially buying Verizon, he gave a diplomatic response.
The new spectrum allows satellites to function as space-based cell towers, sending data directly to mobile devices. Out of over 8,000 SpaceX satellites, several hundred already use direct-to-cell technology, while the rest provide traditional Starlink internet.
To enable mobile phones to use EchoStar frequencies, new chipsets are needed, and according to estimates, development and implementation could take around two years. Industry experts believe this technology will offer reliable connectivity even in the most remote areas.
SpaceX has already launched a service in partnership with T-Mobile that allows users to send SMS messages via satellite, with data usage on apps expected soon. Musk emphasizes this is a long-term project that could redefine the future of communications.