Starlink's Next-Gen Leap: Direct-to-Cell Satellites Set for 2027 Launch
SpaceX's Starlink division has announced plans to start deploying its second-generation satellites in mid-2027, enabling advanced "direct-to-cell" connectivity.
This upgrade will allow standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without relying on ground antennas or special hardware. Announced during a keynote at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the initiative—now rebranded as Starlink Mobile—aims to deliver seamless, terrestrial-like service, including text, voice, data, and potentially 5G-level performance in remote areas.
The rollout will leverage SpaceX's powerful Starship rocket, capable of launching over 50 satellites per flight, with the goal of rapidly building a constellation of around 1,200 units within six months of the first launches. Starlink's vice president for engineering, Michael Nicolls, highlighted the efficiency of this approach, noting it will enable quick deployment and widespread coverage, including polar regions. The company is collaborating with phone manufacturers and cellular operators, while utilizing spectrum acquired from EchoStar to support the service on most existing devices in key markets like the US.
This development builds on Starlink's existing network of over 9,000 satellites, some already equipped with initial direct-to-cell tech launched since 2024. The V2 satellites promise significantly improved performance—up to 20 times better link capabilities and download speeds reaching 150 Mbps in optimal conditions—bringing true broadband-from-space to underserved locations and transforming global mobile connectivity.
