SpaceX launches 20 Starlink satellites on Dec. 4. Photo: SpaceX

SpaceX completed the first shell of its direct-to-cell constellation this week, after recently receiving approval from the FCC for its service with T-Mobile. 

SpaceX launched 20 Starlink satellites on Wednesday evening on a Falcon 9 mission from Vandenberg Space Force in California. This included 13 Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability. SpaceX confirmed post-launch that this completes the first shell of its direct-to-cell constellation, which is about 330 satellites.  

SpaceX deployed the entire first shell of the direct-to-cell constellation in 2024 after starting in January of this year.

These satellites are equipped with laser terminals. Starlink said in an update on X that “direct to cell satellites will immediately connect over laser backhaul to the Starlink constellation, eliminate dead zones and provide peace of mind when customers need it most.” 

This milestone comes one week after the FCC gave SpaceX approval to operate satellite direct-to-cellular service with T-Mobile in an order released Nov. 26. This was the FCC’s first instance of approving supplemental coverage from space (SCS) — in which satellites communicate directly with unmodified cell phones using mobile network operator (MNO) spectrum, to “supplement” the reach of the MNO’s network.

The FCC approval allows SpaceX to provide SCS to T-Mobile with all 7,500 FCC-approved satellites in its authorized Gen2 system, subject to conditions. 

T-Mobile and SpaceX have been working together since 2022 to enable this service and allow T-Mobile customers to send messages via Starlink satellites in rural and remote areas. When the collaboration was announced in 2022, SpaceX targeted a late 2023 debut for the service. 

Starlink is working with a number telcos around the world for service in their respective countries including Entel in Chile and Peru; Salt in Switzerland; and Rogers in Canada.