Starlink satellite internet has been approved for smartphones in the USA.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States has granted SpaceX permission to launch a satellite internet service for smartphones in collaboration with T-Mobile. This was reported by TechCrunch.

The new technology, developed by Elon Musk's company, is referred to as "additional coverage from space" and is a satellite internet service that enhances the capabilities of terrestrial communication operators. SpaceX and T-Mobile first announced the launch of such a project back in 2022.

A temporary permit for using the technology for emergency message transmission was issued in the fall of 2023 following hurricanes "Elen" and "Milton." During that time, hundreds of thousands of messages were successfully sent using satellite internet. Now, the FCC has granted full approval for the technology's commercial use.

Experts view this as a significant step for Starlink, as SpaceX gains the opportunity to enter the U.S. market ahead of its competitors. For instance, Lynk is also developing direct satellite communication technologies for smartphones but currently lacks commercial partners in the country.

It's important to note that satellite cellular communication in the U.S. can only function as a supplement to the existing infrastructure of terrestrial operators. In the spring of 2024, Starlink successfully tested a video call via satellite internet, showcasing the technology's potential.

The FCC emphasizes that access to satellite communication is particularly crucial in emergencies when terrestrial networks may be unavailable.

“This technology opens up new possibilities, including access to emergency services in remote areas,” the commission stated.