In the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC)ApproveStarlink can be tested within 10 days of the satellite launch using two frequency bands: 1910-1915MHz and 1990-1995MHz. It will now be officially put into experimentation to confirm whether satellite Internet services can allow mobile phones to connect directly to the Internet via satellite in areas without mobile Internet signals.
In the next plan, Starlink will cooperate with the US telecom operator T-Mobile and is expected to conduct a six-month experiment of direct mobile phone connection to satellite Internet service in remote areas without mobile network signals. Signal connection tests will be carried out through 6 test devices and 2000 satellites.
According to the FCC's current approval, Starlink is only allowed to conduct antenna functionality testing after satellite launch to confirm that the antenna is functioning properly. Furthermore, Starlink must avoid any impact to other satellite services during the testing process. If any impact cannot be avoided, Starlink will need to coordinate with the affected parties.
As for the fact that the Federal Communications Commission did not approve Starlink's application for a license to allow mobile phones to directly connect to satellite communication services, it is because the content of its submitted documents did not fully describe the satellite technical specifications. However, Starlink stated that the relevant technology cannot be disclosed to the public, so it hopes to obtain an exception.
In previous statements, Starlink stated that its communication service, which can connect mobile phones directly to satellites, will operate under the name "Direct to Cell" and will be available from 2024. It is expected to provide text messaging, calls and Internet transmission services, which can be used by all mobile phones that support LTE connection technology.
In addition to Starlink and T-Mobile's hope to connect existing mobile network services through satellite network services, AT&T is also currently cooperating with satellite network service provider AST SpaceMobile to provide mobile phones with services that can directly connect to satellite network signals. Qualcomm also announced earlier this year that its processor products will promote a more convenient satellite connection experience.
