SpaceX to launch its Starlink Mobile carrier in 2027

According to Ixbt.com, SpaceX plans to launch its own mobile carrier, Starlink Mobile, at the end of 2027. The new service is designed to compete directly with major US telecommunications giants Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, and is expected to transform the communications market through satellite technology. This is reported by Ixbt.com reports .

Details of the major project were revealed at a private meeting with investors attended by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and president Gwynne Shotwell. The three major American carriers currently generate combined annual revenue of nearly $600 billion, and SpaceX aims to capture a significant share of this vast market.

Next-generation satellites and high speeds

Starlink currently works with terrestrial carriers to provide messaging and basic data transmission in areas outside cellular network coverage. However, the next stage involves launching Starlink V2 Direct-to-Cell (DTC) satellites that can connect directly to regular smartphones without additional equipment.

According to the company, the new spacecraft will offer approximately 20 times the capacity of current-generation DTC systems. As a result, ordinary smartphones supporting standard 5G/LTE will be able to transmit data via satellites at speeds of 150 Mbit/s. SpaceX plans to use its Starship rocket to launch these devices into orbit.

Infrastructure and future plans

To build its mobile network, SpaceX does not intend to construct massive terrestrial infrastructure such as traditional communications towers. Instead, the company will install compact base stations near existing Starlink satellite internet terminals. Elon Musk says this approach will make it possible to create a wide-reaching network at significantly lower cost.

At the same time, SpaceX is actively developing its own modems. In the future, the company plans to offer this satellite modem to leading mobile chipmakers such as Qualcomm, Samsung and MediaTek. This could further increase data transmission speeds via satellites in the future.

However, SpaceX still faces several complex challenges before Starlink Mobile can become fully operational. In particular, the company must resolve radio-frequency allocation issues and obtain all necessary permits from the relevant government regulators.