SpaceX is looking to significantly expand its Direct to Cell Starlink network, filing a request with the FCC to launch as many as 15,000 next-generation satellites to support cellular service — reports PCMag.
The request comes just days after SpaceX announced its $17 billion deal with Boost Mobile parent EchoStar to acquire valuable wireless spectrum. According to the filing, the expanded constellation would “provide ubiquitous connectivity to ordinary mobile handsets and a range of other devices and user terminals,” with performance levels comparable to 4G LTE.
Starlink launched its first Direct to Cell satellites in January 2024 and wrapped up deployment of its first-generation constellation earlier this summer. Today, more than 650 satellites in orbit power Direct to Cell, which currently offers satellite text messaging and, more recently, expanded to support data connectivity for apps like Google Maps, X, and WhatsApp.
SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell said at World Space Business Week earlier this week that the company plans to begin testing Direct to Cell service on its newly acquired spectrum by late 2026. Shotwell added that SpaceX is already collaborating with chipmakers to integrate the necessary hardware directly into smartphones. Elon Musk has previously noted that mainstream chipset support for the new frequencies is at least two years away.
The FCC filing also hints at a hybrid satellite-terrestrial system. Since SpaceX acquired EchoStar’s AWS-4 terrestrial licenses in the 2GHz band, the company could deploy ground-based systems in the U.S. to enhance coverage and capacity. Analysts suggest this is more of a long-term strategy, but it could eventually help SpaceX compete directly with traditional carriers.
In the U.S., T-Mobile remains the exclusive Starlink cellular partner for now, while Boost Mobile will also gain access through the EchoStar deal. Still, SpaceX has not ruled out launching its own standalone cellular service in the future.
If approved, the 15,000-satellite constellation would mark SpaceX’s biggest expansion of Starlink’s Direct to Cell system yet, further positioning it as a disruptive player in both the telecom and satellite industries.
