Starlink Direct to Cell

Described in October 2025 as the world's largest 4G coverage provider. The next step is Starlink Mobile: direct-to-consumer service on the ~$17B EchoStar mid-band spectrum approved by the FCC in May 2026 for space and terrestrial use. SpaceX still talks about femtocells at rooftop dishes, Gateways, and Tesla Superchargers, plus next-gen D2D satellites on the V3 bus from 2027 via Starship. CFO Bret Johnsen told Goldman's Communacopia conference, reported September 14, 2026, that a full 5G-quality mobile satellite service is now targeted for the first half of 2028, later than the end-2027 standalone-customer aim, and left open a carrier partnership as well as a self-built terrestrial network. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have each publicly declined an MVNO deal as of their Q1 2026 earnings calls. On August 6, 2026 the FCC adopted an NPRM proposing 200+ MHz of additional spectrum for satellite direct-to-device use. Airtel Africa launched commercial Starlink Mobile in the DRC on August 14, 2026, Africa's first dish-free satellite-to-phone service on compatible LTE Android phones; Kenya tests remain pending Communications Authority approval.

Direct-to-Cell Satellites

650+

US Coverage Beyond Cell Towers

500,000+ sq mi

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  Active

  Starlink Constellation

  The largest satellite constellation ever flown: 11,112 working satellites in low Earth orbit delivering broadband across 160+ countries, with laser inter-satellite links and multiple weekly Falcon 9 deployment launches.

  Total Satellites Launched

  12,935

  Download Speed

  ~200 Mbps median (US)

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  Active

  Starlink Kits & Terminals

  Self-install phased-array user terminals: the Standard Kit ($349), the portable Starlink Mini, and the enterprise-grade Performance dish ($1,999), with terminal manufacturing in Bastrop, Texas.

  Standard Kit Price

  $349

  Residential Service

  $55–$130/month

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  Active

  Electron

  Rocket Lab

  Small-lift, two-stage orbital launch vehicle for dedicated and rideshare small-satellite missions.

  Payload to LEO

  300 kg (660 lb)

  Height

  18 m (59 ft)

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  In Development

  Neutron

  Rocket Lab

  Medium-lift reusable rocket under development for mega-constellation deployment, national-security, and human spaceflight.

  Payload to LEO

  13,000 kg

  Height

  43 m (141 ft)

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  Active

  Photon

  Rocket Lab

  Versatile satellite bus and spacecraft platform for missions to the Moon and beyond.

  Missions Completed

  5+

  Notable Mission

  NASA CAPSTONE (lunar)

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  Active

  HASTE

  Rocket Lab

  Suborbital launch vehicle derived from Electron, designed for hypersonic testing and defense applications.

  Payload Mass

  ~700 kg / 1,540 lb

  Top Speed

  Mach 5+