Last year, SpaceX and T-Mobile announced their plans to bring a satellite-to-cell technology that would beam down internet connection from Starlink, and now, they are pushing for its progression to the FCC. Currently, this service remains under review, and this is because other companies are urging to stop this including DISH Network and AT&T.
Satellite-to-cell is one of the most massive ventures from different companies and it aims to bring the convenience of having a signal anywhere, with blazing fast speeds.
SpaceX, T-Mobile Push for Satellite-to-Cell Approval from FCC
(Photo : Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images)
BOCA CHICA BEACH, TX - AUGUST 25: SpaceX founder Elon Musk and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert on stage during a T-Mobile and SpaceX joint event on August 25, 2022 in Boca Chica Beach, Texas.
SpaceX vice president of satellite policy David Goldman addressed a letter to the US Federal Communications Commission that requests its approval for their plans to move forward. SpaceX and T-Mobile have applied for their operations and use of the latter's PCS G Block spectrum.
"This partnership will leverage T-Mobile's exclusive, nationwide PCS G Block spectrum and SpaceX's next-generation satellite capabilities to extend the reach of T-Mobile's mobile service to its subscribers wherever they are, including in remote areas that for too long have lacked connectivity," says Goldman
"Now that the comment cycle has closed, SpaceX and T-Mobile urge the Commission to follow through with its commitment to process innovative supplemental coverage applications by expeditiously approving Space's modification application."
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Dish Network, AT&T Still Opposes SpaceX and T-Mobile
According to 9to5 Mac, there are still significant oppositions against this venture by SpaceX and T-Mobile, as the likes of DISH Network and AT&T claim that it would be disruptive to their services.
On the other hand, a company called Omnispace is also opposing this joint venture as it could disrupt their business.
Satellite Internet and Cell Coverage
Satellite internet is regarded as the future of mobile connections, as well as at-home requirements for fast access and connectivity which is a significant need in the world. SpaceX is one of the leading companies here, with its Starlink is known for being one of the most successful and widely available services present in the world.
Despite the massive doubts about turning any smartphone into a device that can connect to satellite-to-cell services, some companies prove it to happen. One is from Midland, Texas called AST Space Mobile which previously demonstrated how it achieved 10Mbps download speeds as it beamed down 4G LTE connections from its orbiting satellite.
With terrestrial connections having significantly improved the connections of people for a long time, it still has its limitations and challenges in the present. This is what Starlink tries to improve, with SpaceX and T-Mobile wanting to move forward in doing so with the FCC, now wanting to speed up the process and move forward with its plans.
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