SpaceX is preparing to take a major step toward making direct-to-cell (DTC) connectivity a reality, with its first phone-based tests planned as early as late 2026. The announcement came from SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell at the World Space Business Week conference in Paris on September 16, where she outlined how the company will leverage newly acquired spectrum from EchoStar in its upcoming satellite deployments.
Last week, SpaceX bought special airwave rights, called spectrum, from EchoStar for $17 billion. With this purchase, SpaceX can now sell its satellite service directly to mobile carriers around the world, as these airwaves are cleared for global use.
This means SpaceX won’t have to make separate, complicated deals in each country, greatly simplifying the process for the company.
To make use of the EchoStar spectrum, SpaceX will need to launch a new generation of Starlink satellites equipped with S-band payloads. Shotwell said the company aims to begin launching these satellites within two years, with the first handheld phone connectivity tests expected by late 2026.
“We hope to be launching our next-generation direct-to-device satellites in two years, and hopefully maybe have some tests on phones late next year,” Shotwell said. (via SpaceNews)
Until now, Starlink’s DTC plans have focused on partnerships with operators such as Rogers in Canada and T-Mobile in the United States, using terrestrial spectrum. With its own global spectrum rights secured, SpaceX will be able to provide more seamless coverage across borders.
However, Starlink’s DTC services won’t succeed without the hardware ecosystem on board. SpaceX is already working with chipmakers to ensure next-generation smartphones integrate the necessary radios to communicate directly with Starlink satellites.
At the same time, negotiations with global carriers are ongoing. Rather than competing directly with telecoms, Shotwell emphasized that SpaceX’s model will be to wholesale capacity, allowing mobile operators to extend their coverage via satellite without building additional towers in remote or underserved regions.
