SpaceX, the company led by Elon Musk, has announced the deployment of its first constellation of satellites specifically designed to enable mobile phone calls via satellite connection. This initiative, which marks a milestone in global communication, aims to eliminate “dead zones” of coverage and is expected to be operational in the United States by 2025.
A constellation designed for mobile communication
The recent launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carried 20 additional satellites into Earth orbit, 13 of which are equipped to establish direct communication with mobile phones without the need for additional equipment. These satellites are part of a network that SpaceX describes as “telecommunication towers in space.”
Starlink, SpaceX’s communications division, has partnered with T-Mobile in the United States to initiate this service, but has already expressed its intention to work with other telecommunications operators worldwide. “We are open to negotiating with any operator that wants to join this global project,” said a spokesperson for the company.
Eliminating coverage gaps
The main goal of this technology is to ensure that calls can be made from anywhere on the planet, whether in the middle of the ocean, in remote regions, or in areas where traditional networks do not reach. This could be crucial in emergency situations, providing a reliable solution for users in adverse environments.
The satellite mobile calling service is a further step in Starlink’s strategy, which successfully tested the sending and receiving of SMS messages via satellites in 2024. According to SpaceX, implementing this technology will provide peace of mind to users by ensuring they are never completely unreachable.
Innovative technology for telecommunications
The Starlink satellites for this constellation are capable of providing a bandwidthBandwidth is the maximum transfer capacity… of 10 Mbps and are designed to seamlessly integrate with operator networks. SpaceX emphasizes that, as this is not an exclusive partnership with T-Mobile, other telecommunications companies, including those in Spain, could join the project in the future.
An ambitious and growing deployment
Currently, Starlink has more than 300 satellites orbiting within its communications network, out of the nearly 7,000 satellites that SpaceX has launched to date. These new satellites, representing the latest generation of the company’s space technology, are designed to offer superior performance and greater efficiency in communications.
With the service scheduled for 2025, Starlink is positioning itself as a key player in the global telecommunications market. The ability to make mobile calls from any point on the planet could redefine connectivity standards and open new opportunities in sectors such as security, maritime navigation, and remote exploration.
Musk’s dream: global coverage
Elon Musk continues to push for a future where technological barriers disappear. While the global rollout of the service is still in development, the vision of truly universal connectivity seems closer than ever. As SpaceX states, this is just the beginning of a new era in telecommunications, where satellites will play a central role in the daily lives of millions of people.