FCC approves T-Mobile’s Starlink cell coverage plans

The Federal Communications Commission just approved a first-of-its-kind license in order to bring internet access to dead zones and other remote areas.

On Tuesday, the FCC gave its approval for T-Mobile and Elon Musk’s SpaceX subsidiary Starlink to team up and provide additional telecommunications coverage. 

As Reuters reports, this marks the first time the FCC has given a license for a “satellite operator collaborating with a wireless carrier.” T-Mobile will utilize Starlink satellites to bring coverage from space on “some flexible-use spectrum bands allocated to terrestrial service.”

Last month, T-Mobile and Starlink worked together to bring free satellite-based cell coverage to those who were affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The commission provided temporary approval of the coverage scheme for cell phones due to the emergency, and its latest approval grants the two companies a non-emergency license to provide satellite internet services.

“The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a single network future that will put an end to mobile dead zones,” said FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement.

However, as The Verge points out, there are some restrictions in the FCC filing.

SpaceX cannot yet increase the radio emission power of its Starlink satellites. Companies such as AT&T and Verizon are concerned that this could interfere with their carrier networks. 

Regardless, the FCC approval gives Starlink an advantage over its competitors. According to Reuters, there are existing pending applications in review from other companies. However, the first approval has just been granted to Starlink and T-Mobile.