SpaceX’s push to connect regular smartphones directly to satellites is set to take a major leap forward in 2027. In a new filing with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the company says it’s targeting 2027 to introduce a second-generation version of its cellular Starlink system—an upgrade that would move the company’s Direct-to-Cell service closer to seamless, anywhere connectivity at lightning fast speeds.
In the filing, SpaceX points to the rapid growth of its first-generation “Supplemental Coverage from Space” (SCS) service, which launched in the U.S. through T-Mobile in July 2025 and has since expanded internationally, including to Canada. SpaceX says the service is already operating at scale.
“SpaceX’s first-generation service is providing coverage to over 400 million people, with more than 6 million customers accessing the service each month. But this is only the beginning: SpaceX has also invested in spectrum that will enable it to launch a greatly enhanced second generation direct-to-device system in 2027.” (via PC Mag)
Why 2027?
The upgrade is closely tied to spectrum SpaceX agreed to acquire from EchoStar in a reported $17 billion deal. While SpaceX can choose to close the acquisition earlier, the agreement is currently structured with a closing date of Nov. 30, 2027—one reason the 2027 timeline is showing up more frequently in public statements and regulatory filings.
SpaceX has also suggested the transition won’t be as simple as flipping a switch. New phones will likely need compatible hardware to take advantage of the additional spectrum, and SpaceX will need next-gen satellites capable of using it—potentially as part of a proposed 15,000-satellite constellation that still requires FCC approval.
What Will Change?
Cellular Starlink already supports messaging, voice, and limited data access in areas without traditional coverage, but bandwidth is still tight. SpaceX’s second-generation plan is designed to change that, with the company signaling “5G-like” performance and major capacity gains.
At a recent event, SpaceX executive David Goldman framed the end goal as seamless connectivity: “We can have real high-speed internet to the phone everywhere,” adding, “We’re not too far away from having a world where with consumer perspective, you don’t know you’re on the satellite system.”
