SpaceX says its Starlink tech for phones will be able to send emergency alerts to all wireless users in cellular dead zones—even if they haven’t signed up for the satellite-based service. The company mentioned the potential feature in a Friday letter to the FCC, which will decide whether or not to give SpaceX regulatory approval for a commercial launch of its cellular Starlink tech.The letter notes that SpaceX and its partner, T-Mobile, have been working to develop and launch the cellular Starlink system amid “enthusiastic support and eager anticipation from T-Mobile subscribers, including First Responders.”The technology will harness orbiting satellites to beam data to phones on the ground, providing a way for consumers in dead zones to receive a cell signal. SpaceX has already launched over 130 “direct-to-cell” satellites in orbit, which have been able to send radio signals to unmodified iPhone and Samsung phones. In Friday’s letter, SpaceX added: “The two companies are especially excited about the service’s capability to provide Wireless Emergency Alerts to everyone, including non-T-Mobile customers, in areas where there is no terrestrial coverage.”In other words, the cellular Starlink tech promises to benefit all consumers in emergency situations — but only if SpaceX gets regulatory approval from the FCC. SpaceX also requests “swift authorization” of its licenses to commercially operate the cellular Starlink tech. SpaceX’s plan is facing pushback from rival companies, including AT&T and Verizon, which argue the cellular Starlink tech risks creating radio interference. Earlier this month, the carriers urged the FCC to deny SpaceX a waiver to operate the cellular Starlink satellites beyond the normal radio frequency parameters. In response, SpaceX told the FCC that many users won’t be able to access its cellular Starlink system if AT&T and Verizon get their way.
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The growing feud occurs as AT&T and Verizon plan on tapping a rival satellite company called AST SpaceMobile, which is planning on launching its own satellite internet service for mobile phones with a beta test, possibly as soon as December. In the meantime, T-Mobile is aiming to launch the Starlink tech for its own customers this fall, first to enable satellite-based text messaging, before rolling out support voice and internet data in 2025. The carrier previously said it’ll offer the Starlink satellite support for free for subscribers on its most popular plans.
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About Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
I’ve been with PCMag since October 2017, covering a wide range of topics, including consumer electronics, cybersecurity, social media, networking, and gaming. Prior to working at PCMag, I was a foreign correspondent in Beijing for over five years, covering the tech scene in Asia.
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