FCC grants T-Mobile approval of cell connectivity via satellites

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted its approval to T-Mobile offering cellular connectivity using SpaceX satellites. The partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX will offer “supplemental coverage” in remote areas.

T-Mobile gains approval from the FCC to offer cell coverage using SpaceX satellites

Most of the cellular coverage American carriers offer, currently rely on large and bulky cell towers. However, commissioning such towers isn’t always viable in extremely remote areas. T-Mobile has been trying to address the issue of “cellular dead zones” across the US.

The FCC granted temporary approval to T-Mobile and SpaceX in October. This allowed the companies to offer satellite-based connectivity features to affected areas in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Needless to say, this was just a glimpse of cellular connectivity using satellites.

T-Mobile quickly managed to achieve the first satellite transmission of emergency alerts. However, the company now plans to offer cellular network coverage in remote areas by bouncing signals off of SpaceX satellites.

How will T-Mobile offer cellular service from space?

The FCC has reportedly given the green light to the SpaceX and T-Mobile partnership. This is the first time the FCC has authorized a satellite operator to collaborate with a wireless carrier.

Together, T-Mobile and SpaceX will try to provide supplemental telecommunications coverage from space. To achieve cellular connectivity in remote areas, T-Mobile will use some flexible-use spectrum bands allocated to terrestrial service. The SpaceX satellites already have direct-to-cell technology. This can work with T-Mobile’s network to expand coverage in cellular dead zones.

T-Mobile has reportedly claimed that over 500,000 square miles of US land are currently unreachable by traditional networks. The company has stated difficult terrain is the primary reason these dead zones exist.

Needless to say, this license marks a significant shift in how the FCC views and approaches wireless communication. This is because the FCC has essentially allowed a satellite operator to work with a wireless carrier for ground-based networks.

As expected, AT&T and Verizon have already voiced their concerns. These carriers recently claimed that SpaceX’s satellite technology could interfere with their existing networks. AT&T and Verizon fear the proposed increase in power levels for satellite transmissions could hinder land-based networks.