SpaceX has taken an important step towards expanding mobile phone services, reaching an agreement on buying wireless frequencies in the United States for about $8 billion.
According to Reuters agency, Elon Musk's company has agreed to buy a national frequency portfolio in the 800th generation. MHz from the investment firm Gray Management.
The agreement aims to give Starlink Mobile the opportunity to provide more stable connections to mobile phones, including the building's internal environments.
Current satellite technology for phones faces restrictions when signals must penetrate through walls and other obstacles. New frequency can help overcome this problem.
In a release published on October 8th, SpaceX confirmed it aims to combine the satellite network with land infrastructure, creating a system that can provide mobile connections in more countries.
Development represents a new step in competition with traditional American operators, including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
According to Reuters, the shares of these operators suffered decline after the deal was announced, while investors praised the possible impact of SpaceX's broader access to the mobile market.
However, Starlink Mobile is not yet a complete substitute for existing networks.
To realise its ambitions, the company must ensure regulatory approvals, expand infrastructure, and ensure that phones can use service sustainablely.
The US Federal Communications Commission, known as the FCC, has also approved expanding the Starlink Mobile satellite network, paving the way for the deployment of thousands of new satellites.
For consumers, development may be of particular importance during travel, in rural areas, and in countries where mobile coverage is limited.
In the future, direct links between phones and satellites can reduce dependence on traditional antennas, although technology will continue to need adequate infrastructure and frequency.
The $8 billion deal still requires the final approval of American authorities.
If realised according to plans, it could mark an important change in the way telecommunications companies provide internet and mobile connections.
