In January we knew that Starlink activated the direct cellular connection for mobiles, regardless of whether or not they have satellite connection. For the system, called Starlink Direct to Cell, to offer mobile internet to any mobile, it must do so through the frequencies that are in use by mobile operators. Here comes the delicate.
The situation. As our mobile WorldOfSoftware companions tell, so that a satellite of a company like Starlink or Project Kuiper of Amazon gives us mobile connectivity, needs to do it through the frequencies that are already used for classical mobile networks. The problem is that these bands are licensed by Movistar, Vodafone and Orange.
A possible route. Taking into account that Starlink and company are competitors, it is expected that the operators will want an agreement in which they do not be harmed. A possible route would be to negotiate the use of the bands with the regulatory agencies, thus jumping to the operators, but it will not be possible.
The GSMA has spoken. It is the Association of Mobile Operators and organizer of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. They have published a statement in which they give a series of guidelines for coexistence between land operators and satellite operators. The document establishes that Starlink and company must negotiate directly with the operators, who are the owners of the land spectrum.
Marking territory. With this statement, the GSMA does not want to stop the arrival of satellite mobile connectivity services, but to mark its territory and defend what has cost so much to achieve terrestrial operators. To put it in context, in 2021 the 700 MHz band was auctioned and the Spanish operators paid more than 1,000 million euros for their hole. It has all the meaning that they are who negotiate who uses their spectrum. Starlink has already negotiated similar agreements with operators from other countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada or Switzerland, so it is not something alien to the company.
Of the satellite to the mobile. To offer the Internet to any mobile, Starlink uses a network of satellites that operate in the Leo orbit. These satellites fly lower to facilitate connectivity, about 360 kilometers from the surface. According to Starlink herself, they already have more than 600 satellites from their Direct To Cell network that add to the more than 8,000 satellites they have in orbit. If you want to continue expanding it to more countries, they will have to reach new agreements and pay what corresponds to use the frequencies.
Cover image | Wikipedia, Apple
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