T-Mobile and Starlink have been working since 2022 to bring direct-to-cell satellite service to T-Mobile subscribers. Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has signed off, in an industry-first.

Using satellites as a backup for cell service, and providing coverage in areas where traditional service doesn't cover, just took a big step forward.

The FCC has granted SpaceX permission to go forward with plans to offer a direct-to-phone version of its Starlink satellite internet service, with

The satellite-to-phone service T-Mobile and Starlink first announced back in 2022 has gotten a lot closer to deployment. As SpaceNews and Reuters report, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted the companies conditional approval to provide T-Mobile subscribers coverage using Starlink satellites in locations that can't be reached by the carrier's network.

The US regulator is also allowing SpaceX to orbit some of the company's Starlink satellites closer to Earth, which should reduce latency.

SpaceX's direct-to-cell technology will connect millions of Americans with T-Mobiles network, but there are still over 500,000 square miles of the US with no cell service. FCC approval sets SpaceX ahead in the market,

However, as The Verge points out, there are some restrictions in the FCC filing. SpaceX cannot yet increase the radio emission power of its Starlink satellites. Companies such as