SpaceX and Starlink — the global satellite broadband network — are reportedly working on a Starlink-compatible phone that could operate directly via satellites, without relying on ground-based cellular infrastructure. At an investor event, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk acknowledged ongoing development and suggested that users may soon be able to make calls and send messages directly through Starlink’s constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites.
While Musk did not provide a precise launch date, he noted that progress has been made and that regulatory approvals will determine when and where the service can be offered — including in India, where the telecom landscape is highly regulated.
What a Starlink Phone Could Mean
Unlike traditional smartphones that depend on terrestrial cell towers, a Starlink phone would connect to Starlink satellites orbiting Earth. This means:
- Voice and text connectivity even outside cellular coverage
- Service in remote or rural areas with weak or no network signals
- Potentially lower infrastructure barriers for operators and users in underserved regions
Starlink’s growing satellite network — already serving broadband customers in many countries — could expand to support two-way voice and messaging if the phone and satellites meet technical and regulatory requirements.
Challenges Before Launch
Musk emphasized that regulatory clearance is a key hurdle in many countries. Satellite phones must adhere to frequency and telecom norms established by national regulators. India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) would need to evaluate standards and licensing requirements before Starlink phones could be officially sold and activated.
Integration with Starlink’s satellite network also requires technical certification to support reliable voice and messaging without interference, especially where terrestrial networks coexist. These approvals can take time, particularly in large markets like India.
Global Rollout Strategy
SpaceX is expected to prioritise markets that have secured regulatory frameworks for satellite communications and spectrum usage. Once these approvals are in place, Starlink aims to roll out satellite phone service globally — potentially including India — as part of its extension beyond broadband. Musk suggested that in countries with clear policies and spectrum allocation, Starlink phones could become available sooner than later.
Competition and Opportunity
Starlink’s entry into satellite phones could spur competition with incumbents such as Iridium, Inmarsat and other providers that already offer satellite voice services. In India, the availability of satellite phones has been limited by licensing and spectrum rules, but the entry of a major global player like Starlink could accelerate policy discussions and technology adoption.
For users, satellite phone service via Starlink may mean greater connectivity during emergencies, outdoor expeditions, maritime and aviation use, and for populations in hilly or remote regions where traditional cellular networks struggle.
