Elon Musk’s SpaceX is laying the groundwork to connect his Starlink satellite service to the UK’s mobile phone network as rural households struggle with poor signal coverage.
In a filing with telecoms regulator Ofcom, the billionaire’s space business asked for permission to expand its network of ground terminals, which would pave the way for it launching a mobile service.
The upgrades to its network would allow Starlink to do deals with British telecoms companies to boost their coverage, while it will also help with “supporting SpaceX’s new direct-to-cell service (pending regulatory approval)”.
Starlink is already testing a service in the US that would allow text messages to be sent from unmodified mobile phones via satellite, potentially ridding the country of mobile black spots.
In December, the business said: “This year, we look forward to expanding our testing to include greater coverage; launching hundreds of satellites to enable our text constellation… and expanding our global footprint.”
Currently, satellite-to-mobile services are not authorised in the UK, but it is understood Ofcom plans launch a call for evidence on the technology in the coming months. It is understood the new application is designed to provide capacity for its broadband service.
The billionaire’s satellite network currently consists of nearly 6,000 spacecraft, orbiting roughly 350 miles above the earth, which beam down broadband signals to satellite dishes for homes and businesses.
But Mr Musk’s company is also launching thousands of new satellites that can connect to mobile networks. It already has deals in America with T-Mobile and partnerships with telecoms companies in Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, Chile and Peru to expand its coverage.
The amount of data Starlink’s present network can pass to a normal smartphone is small and only capable of text messaging. Apple has launched a similar service for sending SOS messages via space.
Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
