SpaceX Plans 15000 Satellites to Upgrade Cellular Starlink Service
SpaceX has formally requested permission from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch and operate a new constellation of up to 15,000 next-generation satellites aimed at upgrading its cellular Starlink service. This expanded satellite system will leverage spectrum acquired from EchoStar, following a $17 billion agreement, as part of SpaceX’s strategy to provide enhanced mobile connectivity directly to ordinary cellular phones and a broad range of other devices globally. The new constellation is designed to offer extensive coverage and improved network capacity across the United States and international markets.
The proposed satellites will operate in low Earth orbit altitudes between approximately 326 and 335 kilometers, closer to Earth than previous Starlink satellites. This proximity is intended to reduce latency and increase the quality of mobile connections. The system will use a combination of existing SpaceX ground infrastructure alongside new equipment that will optimize performance for mobile users. With access to EchoStar’s terrestrial AWS-4 spectrum and partnership with T-Mobile, the upgraded Starlink service aims to deliver up to 20 times the throughput compared to current systems, achieving performance similar to 4G LTE standards.
SpaceX is positioning this satellite network as a hybrid model, integrating satellite signals with ground-based systems. This approach could expand coverage and capacity in areas that traditional cellular networks fail to serve efficiently, including rural, remote, and underserved communities across the United States. While T-Mobile has exclusive access to Starlink’s cellular capabilities in the US so far, Boost Mobile, EchoStar’s subsidiary, will also gain access through the spectrum deal. In addition to these partnerships, SpaceX is exploring the potential for Starlink to become a standalone global cellular carrier, directly competing with existing mobile operators.
The satellite system will utilize multiple frequency bands, including international 2 GHz bands and extended L-band frequencies, to provide mobile satellite service. The platform will support voice, text, and high-speed data services, broadening mobile connectivity options worldwide. SpaceX emphasizes that the system will operate without causing harmful interference to existing spectrum users by employing advanced frequency reuse techniques and optical inter-satellite links for efficient data routing. These design features promote high throughput, network flexibility, and robust coverage.
Notably, the FCC recently authorized SpaceX to orbit some Starlink satellites as low as 340 kilometers, contingent on coordination with NASA. The new filing requests even lower altitudes for the enhanced satellites. This clearance supports the goal of reducing communication delay and improving user experience for mobile device connectivity. The license application also highlights SpaceX’s commitment to responsible space operations through proven orbital debris mitigation strategies, including the ability of satellites to maneuver to avoid collisions and the natural atmospheric drag that will remove any debris over time.
The company acknowledges that smartphone chipsets currently lack compatibility with the EchoStar radio frequencies, estimating approximately two years before widespread chipset support becomes available. Meanwhile, SpaceX has started working with chipset manufacturers to enable this integration into future mobile devices. FCC approval of the requested permissions will be a critical step toward deploying the upgraded Starlink cellular network.
This initiative follows an earlier SpaceX FCC proposal from last year seeking to operate nearly 30,000 satellites for home broadband Starlink service with gigabit speed ambitions. The current application reflects a focused push to revolutionize mobile satellite connectivity with a dedicated constellation serving direct-to-cell phones, expanding the promise of satellite-powered cellular service beyond traditional broadband.
SpaceX’s development of this satellite network could significantly impact mobile communications by bringing high-quality coverage to areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, advancing accessibility to vital communication services.
