The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has cleared the way for a groundbreaking partnership involving Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite-based internet provider, but it has some limits. Starlink is approved to provide T-Mobile customers cellphone service, bringing access to dead zones and other remote areas.
This is the first time the FCC has given a license for a satellite operator collaborating with a wireless carrier. However, the Verge reported restrictions in the FCC filing like the agency not yet allowing Starlink to increase satellite radio emission power for real-time voice and video calls.
SpaceX said in October that it would start testing basic texting capabilities and support for voice and data isn’t expected to arrive until next year.
AT&T and Verizon have already raised concerns that allowing SpaceX to bypass current power limits could interfere with their networks.
This week SpaceX launched 24 Starlink satellites from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center to join the thousands already there. Of those launched, 12 satellites have direct-to-cell capabilities.
Reuters reported there are pending applications from other companies, but for right now, the FCC has only granted this approval to T-Mobile.
