Starlink direct-to-cell satellite connectivity expanding beyond T-Mobile

SpaceX and the company behind Boost Mobile have struck a deal that will bolster Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite mobile service. EchoStar has agreed to license AWS-4 and H-block spectrum to SpaceX. The agreement is worth up to $17 billion with half in cash and half in SpaceX stock. For iPhone users, the deal will also expand Starlink’s satellite mobile service beyond T-Mobile, which is currently the exclusive U.S. mobile service provider with Starlink service. In connection with the transaction, SpaceX and EchoStar will enter into a long-term commercial agreement, which will enable EchoStar’s Boost Mobile subscribers – through its cloud-native 5G core – to access SpaceX’s next generation Starlink Direct to Cell service. In February, T-Mobile announced plans to integrate Starlink with its cell network before opening a limited beta. The service officially launched over the summer with plans for both T-Mobile subscribers and iPhone users on other networks. We shouldn’t expect Boost Mobile to gain Starlink integration anytime soon, but today’s development does position the EchoStar-owned carrier as the next to pick up SpaceX’s satellite service. Apple supports carrier satellite service with iOS 18.5 and iPhone 13 or later. Apple added a toggle to iOS earlier this year to turn off carrier satellite service as well. Separately, Apple supports a different kind of satellite communication on all newer iPhones, and possibly soon, Apple Watches, for Emergency SOS.