Starlink’s Bold Move into Mobile Connectivity
In January, it was revealed that Starlink activated a direct cellular connection for smartphones, allowing access to mobile internet without a satellite connection . This initiative, known as Starlink Direct To Cell, aims to provide mobile internet services via frequencies already in use by conventional mobile operators. However, this ambition comes with significant challenges, primarily because these frequencies are legally owned by established mobile companies such as Movistar , Vodafone , and Orange .
The Situation. According to experts from media outlet Xataka Mobile, for a satellite company like Starlink —and its competitor, Amazon’s Project Kuiper —providing mobile connectivity hinges on negotiations over already-licensed frequency bands held by terrestrial mobile operators. Without cooperation or agreement from these operators, Starlink faces significant obstacles in its efforts to expand into terrestrial mobile services.
A Possible Route. Given the competitive nature of the telecommunications industry, it is essential for these operators to secure arrangements that protect their existing investments. One potential route for Starlink would involve negotiating the use of these frequency bands with regulatory authorities, thus bypassing the need for direct agreements with the operators themselves. However, this approach is fraught with difficulties and is generally deemed improbable.
The GSMA’s Response. The GSMA , the association representing mobile operators and organizer of the influential Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, has issued a statement outlining guidelines for coexistence between terrestrial and satellite operators. According to the document, Starlink and similar companies must engage in direct negotiations with the terrestrial operators, who inherently possess the rights to the frequency spectrum.
Marking Territory. The GSMA’s statement serves to delineate the boundaries and assert the rights of terrestrial operators, defending what they have worked tirelessly to establish. For context, in 2021, Spanish operators collectively spent over 1 billion euros securing access to the 700 MHz band , a significant investment that underscores their right to negotiate the use of their spectrum. However, Starlink has successfully established similar agreements with operators in countries like the United States , Australia , Canada , and Switzerland , so the notion of forging partnerships is not alien to the company.
From Satellite to Mobile. To facilitate mobile internet access, Starlink relies on its extensive network of satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) , approximately 360 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The company boasts over 600 satellites dedicated to its Direct To Cell network, adding to the 8,000 satellites already in orbit. As they aim to expand their services to additional countries, striking new agreements and paying the required fees to utilize satellite frequencies will become imperative for their continued growth and success in this sector.
For now, the landscape remains complex and highly competitive. The move toward mobile connectivity by Starlink reflects a broader trend in the telecommunications industry, where innovation must coexist with legal and regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting established businesses.
Cover image | Wikipedia, Apple
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