A major change in satellite internet services is expected next year as Starlink prepares to roll out a new generation of satellites designed to connect directly to mobile phones.
The company announced that the upgrade will remove the need to pass signals through ground antennas, making it possible for users to access service straight from space.
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Michael Nicolls, vice president for Starlink engineering at SpaceX, said the launches are planned to begin in mid-2027.
The missions will use the powerful Starship rocket, which is expected to help deploy the satellites at a faster pace.
According to Nicolls, this approach will allow the company to build the new constellation quickly once launches begin.
The second generation system will start with about 1,200 satellites.
These satellites are expected to support what Starlink calls “direct-to-cell” service. The aim is to offer mobile connectivity that feels similar to what users experience on traditional land-based networks.
This means people could send messages, make calls, or access data services even in remote areas where normal mobile towers are not available.
Nicolls explained that the service should become operational about six months after the first satellites are launched.
Starlink already operates more than 9,000 satellites in orbit, including around 600 that have some direct-to-cell capability.
The new batch will significantly expand and improve this feature.The company, owned by Elon Musk, has partnered with several cellular network operators around the world to support the rollout.
These partnerships are expected to help integrate the satellite service into existing mobile networks.
Nicolls also revealed that Starlink plans to use radio frequencies it purchased from US operator EchoStar in November 2025 for $17 billion.
However, the use of those frequencies still depends on regulatory approval. He added that Starlink is working closely with phone manufacturers to ensure that as many devices as possible can connect to the new satellite system once it becomes available.
Leave feedback about this