In January, it was revealed that \u00a0Starlink\u00a0 activated a \u00a0direct cellular connection\u00a0 for smartphones, allowing access to mobile internet \u00a0without a satellite connection\u00a0. This initiative, known as Starlink Direct To Cell<\/a>, 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 \u00a0Movistar\u00a0, \u00a0Vodafone\u00a0, and \u00a0Orange\u00a0.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Situation<\/strong>. According to experts from media outlet Xataka Mobile<\/a>, for a satellite company like \u00a0Starlink\u00a0\u2014and its competitor, \u00a0Amazon’s Project Kuiper\u00a0\u2014providing mobile connectivity hinges on negotiations over already-licensed frequency bands held by terrestrial mobile operators. Without cooperation or agreement from these operators, \u00a0Starlink\u00a0 faces significant obstacles in its efforts to expand into terrestrial mobile services.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A Possible Route<\/strong>. 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 \u00a0Starlink\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The GSMA’s Response<\/strong>. The \u00a0GSMA\u00a0, the association representing mobile operators and organizer of the influential \u00a0Mobile World Congress\u00a0 in Barcelona, has issued a statement outlining guidelines for coexistence between terrestrial and satellite operators. According to the document, \u00a0Starlink\u00a0 and similar companies must engage in direct negotiations with the terrestrial operators, who inherently possess the rights to the frequency spectrum.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marking Territory<\/strong>. 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 \u00a01 billion euros\u00a0 securing access to the \u00a0700 MHz band\u00a0, a significant investment that underscores their right to negotiate the use of their spectrum. However, \u00a0Starlink\u00a0 has successfully established similar agreements with operators in countries like the \u00a0United States\u00a0, \u00a0Australia\u00a0, \u00a0Canada\u00a0, and \u00a0Switzerland\u00a0, so the notion of forging partnerships is not alien to the company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From Satellite to Mobile<\/strong>. To facilitate mobile internet access, \u00a0Starlink\u00a0 relies on its extensive network of satellites operating in \u00a0Low Earth Orbit (LEO)\u00a0, approximately \u00a0360 kilometers\u00a0 above the Earth’s surface. The company boasts over \u00a0600 satellites\u00a0 dedicated to its Direct To Cell network, adding to the \u00a08,000 satellites\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n For now, the landscape remains complex and highly competitive. The move toward mobile connectivity by \u00a0Starlink\u00a0 reflects a broader trend in the telecommunications industry, where innovation must coexist with legal and regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting established businesses.<\/p>\n Cover image | Wikipedia<\/a>, Apple<\/a><\/p>\n In Xataka | China increasingly dominates technology on earth. There is a place where it is still far from the West: space<\/p>\n