SpaceX appears to be getting ready for something beyond its current satellite-to-carrier partnerships.
A new U.S. trademark filing for “Starlink Mobile” suggests the company is preparing a branded wireless service that would work directly with smartphones, and not just through partner networks, reports Tesla North. A second filing for “Powered by Starlink” covers similar telecom categories.
The move arrives after SpaceX bought roughly $17 billion in wireless spectrum from EchoStar earlier this year, a purchase many observers viewed as the groundwork for a standalone Direct-to-Cell network. Starlink already supports limited satellite messaging with carriers like T-Mobile in the U.S. and Rogers in Canada, with more regions set to join through Entel in Chile and Virgin Media O2 in the U.K.
But the new trademarks point toward something bigger: a mobile service operated by SpaceX itself.
The company has already placed about 650 Direct-to-Cell satellites into orbit, forming the first layer of a network meant to let normal phones connect to space-based signals. SpaceX has also asked regulators for permission to deploy as many as 15,000 next-generation satellites to expand that capability globally.
Elon Musk has said future Starlink phone plans will feel similar to traditional carrier service, though not meant to replace them on day one. Still, with licensed spectrum, a fast-growing satellite fleet, and trademark filings now public, SpaceX looks closer than ever to launching its own Starlink Mobile offering.
But for avid travellers into remote areas, imagine having an add-on or dedicated data-only line with Starlink Mobile? That’s all you need nowadays to keep in touch with the world.
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Would be nice to get rid of the eyesore that is 5G Cell Phone towers, some disguised as trees and plants…
trees and plants are an eyesore? Why call out 5G? When were cell towers ever pleasing to look at?
To this day, I remain surprised that Jobs didn't buy / create a wireless network specifically for his iPhones.
That said, while this seems like good idea, the ownership by Mr Loopy of SpaceX would keep me away from this, unless I lived in so remote an area there was no option.