Starlink

SpaceX this week announced two developments that further its goal of becoming a major U.S. carrier to compete with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. It is acquiring a low-band spectrum license portfolio in the 800MHz band, which it says addresses one of the "remaining technical gaps" that will let it to compete with other carriers. Most smartphones already support the 800MHz band SpaceX is...

SpaceX shared plans to create a cellular service during its first earnings call after its IPO, reports Reuters. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said the company will "build out terrestrial" with the spectrum that it acquired from EchoStar. She added that SpaceX intends to make Starlink a "true mobile service" that will win "quite a few" customers from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Shotwell...

At least some new iPhone models launching next year may support full 5G satellite internet, according to a report this week from The Information. "Apple plans to add support in upcoming iPhones as early as next year for 5G networks that aren't tethered to Earth's surface, which includes satellites," the report said. "That would give the iPhone full internet access over satellite," it added. ...

T-Mobile today announced that its Starlink satellite feature is now available in public beta, meaning anyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android smartphone can sign up to test the off-the-grid connectivity, even if they use another carrier like AT&T or Verizon. Starlink is a subsidiary of Elon Musk's SpaceX. Approved beta testers can use the Starlink satellite connectivity for...