Starlink submitted a patent application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in early December last year, which would allow mobile phones to directly connect to satellite communication services.Permission application, and finally received approval earlier, but currently it is only allowed to conduct tests within 10 days after the satellite is launched through the two frequency bands of 1910-1915MHz and 1990-1995MHz, and it has not been agreed to put it into operation.
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 explanations, Starlink stated that it is a communication service that can directly connect mobile phones to satellites.Operates under the name "Direct to Cell"It will be available from 2024 and is expected to provide text messaging, calls and Internet transmission services, so that all mobile phones that support LTE connection technology can use it.
This service is based on the cooperation agreement with T-Mobile announced in August last year. T-Mobile will provide some 8G network frequency bands for Starlink's second-generation low-orbit satellite connection. Starlink will also allow mobile phones using T-Mobile's LTE connection technology to directly access satellite connection signals, and emphasizes that its service can almost cover the entire service range in the United States.
Taking advantage of satellite connectivity, Starlink stated that this service will not be restricted by geography or the cost of building traditional base stations. As long as a satellite connection signal can be received, text messages can be sent. It is expected to also include mobile phone calls and Internet access, and respond to a wider range of IoT connection usage needs.
Since different specifications will be used to meet the needs of mobile phone Internet access, Starlink will continue to launch more new micro-Internet satellites in the next few years to increase the mobile phone connection function, while the satellites originally used for general Internet access needs will continue to be used.
