SpaceX is setting an ambitious target of 150 Megabits per second (Mbps) per user for its forthcoming generation of Starlink Direct-to-Cell service. This significant upgrade in speed was revealed by Udrivolf Pica, SpaceX’s Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs Lead, during the International Telecommunication Union’s Space Connect conference.
Ambitious Speed Targets for Direct-to-Cell Connectivity
“We are aiming at peak speeds of 150Mbps per user,” Pica stated at the conference. He emphasized the remarkable nature of this goal, noting, “So something incredible if you think about the link budgets from space to the mobile phone.”
Achieving this 150 Mbps benchmark would mark a substantial leap forward from the current capabilities of Starlink Direct-to-Cell. The existing service, currently offered in partnership with T-Mobile under the T-Satellite brand, provides users with approximately 4 Mbps. This initial iteration is primarily designed for essential communications such as text messages, low-resolution video calls, and basic app usage in areas that lack traditional cellular coverage.
Bridging the Gap to Terrestrial 5G Speeds
The proposed 150 Mbps speed would position satellite-to-phone broadband significantly closer to the performance levels of conventional cellular networks. Data from Ookla, as reported by PCMag, indicates that median 5G download speeds in the United States are around 309 Mbps for T-Mobile and 172 Mbps for AT&T. While the upgraded Starlink service might not fully match the fastest terrestrial 5G networks, it promises a much-improved experience for users in remote and underserved regions.
Pica further elaborated that the enhanced system is intended to support a wider range of services, including “video, voice, and data services, clearly.” This expansion moves beyond the current focus on emergency connectivity and basic messaging, paving the way for more data-intensive applications.
Strategic Upgrades and Spectrum Acquisition Drive Performance Gains
To realize these elevated speed targets, SpaceX is planning comprehensive upgrades to its existing fleet of Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellites, alongside the deployment of substantial new capacity. A crucial element in this expansion strategy is the recent acquisition of radio spectrum from EchoStar. Pica highlighted this move as instrumental in boosting overall throughput.
“More spectrum means a bigger pipeline, and this means that we can expand what we can do with partners. We can expand the quality of service. And again, we can do cellular broadband basically, cellular broadband use cases, like AI or daily connectivity needs,” Pica explained.
Regulatory Approvals and Rollout Timeline
In parallel with its hardware and spectrum strategy, SpaceX is actively seeking regulatory approval to significantly expand its satellite constellation. The company has applied to deploy an additional 15,000 Direct-to-Cell satellites, a substantial increase from the approximately 650 satellites currently supporting the operational system. This expanded architecture is anticipated to commence its rollout in late 2027.