Starlink received approval to provide Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) within the United States. This means that in areas not covered by terrestrial cellular networks, Starlink satellites can provide service to cell phones.

The T-Mobile license is the first collaboration between a satellite operator and wireless carrier to be approved by the FCC to provide supplemental cell coverage from space. “The Commission recognized that satellite-to-device connectivity can support critical public interest benefits,

The FCC has granted SpaceX permission to go forward with plans to offer a direct-to-phone version of its Starlink satellite internet service, with

Using satellites as a backup for cell service, and providing coverage in areas where traditional service doesn't cover, just took a big step forward.

Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology represents a significant leap forward in mobile telecommunications. By partnering with leading telecom companies around the world, including T-Mobile in the U.S., Starlink aims to bridge connectivity gaps that have long plagued rural and isolated areas.

T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink announced a satellite-to-phone service that's supposed to eliminate 'dead zones' back in 2022. Now, the FCC has granted their teamup a conditional approval.

SpaceX's direct-to-cell technology will connect millions of Americans with T-Mobiles network, but there are still over 500,000 square miles of the US with no cell service. FCC approval sets SpaceX ahead in the market,

However, as The Verge points out, there are some restrictions in the FCC filing. SpaceX cannot yet increase the radio emission power of its Starlink satellites. Companies such as