SpaceX has filed a trademark for “Starlink Mobile” in the United States, signaling a push toward transforming Starlink into a satellite-based mobile carrier service. The trademark describes the transmission of voice, video and data through satellite networks to mobile phones and smart devices, indicating a scope comparable to traditional cellular providers. In the original article, Elon Musk said people “should be able to have Starlink like you have an AT&T, or T-Mobile, or Verizon” on their phones.
The move builds on SpaceX’s earlier US$17 billion purchase of 50 MHz S-band spectrum once held by DISH through Boost Mobile. That spectrum acquisition is widely seen as a critical step toward enabling full consumer mobility services rather than limited satellite messaging. A global transition from fixed satellite terminals to handheld connectivity has been a key objective for the company.
To support this effort, SpaceX is working with mobile chipset manufacturers including Qualcomm and MediaTek to integrate Starlink satellite modems into future processors. The goal is for phones to achieve broadband-level satellite connectivity in remote locations without relying on terrestrial cell towers. This represents a shift from today’s restricted satellite messaging features available on select smartphones.
Network capacity for the service is expected to come from Starlink V3 satellites, with launches scheduled to begin in 2026 using the Starship 3 rocket. The V3 satellites offer 20 times the capacity of current models and SpaceX has requested approval to deploy 15,000 direct-to-cell satellites, a constellation large enough to compete with major US carriers. Testing of phones equipped with dedicated Starlink modems is anticipated in 2026, followed by commercial deployment in 2027.
See also: Elon Musk Confirms SpaceX Plans for Space-Based Data Centers Using Starlink V3 Satellites
Even at launch, SpaceX has cautioned that performance will not match fiber internet speeds. The original report notes that Starlink “will only be able to provide 5G satellite Internet coverage everywhere with up to 100 Mbps download speeds.” However, this would still represent a dramatic improvement over the limited satellite functions offered by existing carriers today and could open mobile connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.