On October 6, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved SpaceX’s plans to launch and operate 15,000 satellites for Starlink Mobile, its direct-to-device service. The approval advances SpaceX’s goal of providing mobile phone connectivity directly from space.
The satellites will operate in very low Earth orbit and use spectrum SpaceX is acquiring from EchoStar. The FCC also waived the requirement for SpaceX to lease access through a terrestrial mobile operator, allowing it to offer mobile satellite services directly to consumers. Starlink could therefore compete with established carriers such as AT&T and Verizon, as well as SpaceX’s current partner, T-Mobile.