Starlink Expands D2C Satellite Phone Services
SpaceX has launched its first satellites capable of supporting direct-to-cell (DTC) satellite phone calls, entering a race with AST SpaceMobile. While SpaceX now operates 650 DTC-capable Starlink satellites and recently received FCC approval to launch an additional 15,000, AST remains at just 13 commercial BlueBird satellites. Despite the relatively small share of DTC satellites in its total constellation (about 6.5%), this expansion could represent a significant growth opportunity for SpaceX's broader Starlink business. Real-time tracking data from Opensignal.com shows that most DTC phone connections are concentrated in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Latin America, with notable activity also observed in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The geographic concentration may reflect current satellite coverage limitations but could expand as more satellites come online. For investors, this development highlights SpaceX's strategic move into a new segment that complements its existing high-growth Starlink broadband service. While it remains to be seen how much DTC will contribute to revenue and profit growth, the potential for expansion is considerable given the scale of SpaceX’s satellite network.
Topics: AST SpaceMobile Direct-to-Cell (DTC) satellite internet SpaceX Starlink