SpaceX is aiming for a significant upgrade in its Starlink Direct-to-Cell service, targeting peak download speeds of 150Mbps per user. This ambitious goal, shared by SpaceX Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs Lead Udrivolf Pica, represents a substantial leap from the current performance of Starlink Direct-to-Cell, which currently provides speeds of around 4Mbps per user. If achieved, this upgrade would bring satellite-to-phone broadband much closer to conventional carrier performance, even in remote areas. However, it's important to note that this target is still behind the fastest terrestrial 5G networks, which offer speeds of approximately 309Mbps for T-Mobile and 172Mbps for AT&T in the United States.
To reach this target, SpaceX plans to upgrade its existing Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellites and add significant new capacity. The company recently acquired access to radio spectrum from EchoStar, which Pica described as key to expanding throughput. He also mentioned that the upgraded system would support 'video, voice, and data services, clearly', moving beyond emergency connectivity and basic messaging use cases.
The upgraded architecture is expected to begin rolling out in late 2027, with SpaceX requesting regulatory approval to deploy 15,000 additional Direct-to-Cell satellites. This move is part of SpaceX's broader strategy to expand its cellular Starlink service, which is currently offered in partnership with T-Mobile under the T-Satellite brand.
In other news, Microsoft has announced a new collaboration with Starlink as part of its expanding digital access strategy. The partnership aims to complement Microsoft's existing work with local internet providers and infrastructure companies across Africa, Latin America, and India, among other areas. Kenya has been cited as an early example, where Microsoft is supporting connectivity for 450 community hubs in rural and underserved areas.
Meanwhile, Tesla has expanded its US LFP battery supply with a deal with LG Energy Solution. LG Energy Solution will manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) energy storage system (ESS) batteries for Tesla at its Lansing, Michigan facility. This move is seen as part of Tesla's efforts to bolster its North American supply base for its energy storage business.
Finally, Elon Musk's xAI has signed an agreement with the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to allow Grok to be used in classified military systems. This agreement comes after a dispute over usage safeguards with Anthropic's Claude, which had been the only AI system approved for the most sensitive military work. The Pentagon is now broadening its options, and xAI has agreed to the DoD's requirement that its technology be usable for 'all lawful purposes'.
