Global satellite internet provider Starlink, owned by SpaceX, has announced plans to introduce mobile services to its subscribers, marking a significant expansion of its market share. In an update published on its website on Monday, August 26, Starlink revealed that it is in the process of upgrading its satellites to include advanced Evolved Node B (eNodeB) technology, which functions like cellphone towers in space.
This upgrade will enable network integration similar to that of standard roaming cellphone towers, allowing SpaceX’s satellite services to connect directly with ordinary phones that are compatible with at least 4G networks. As a result, Starlink users will soon be able to make calls and send texts via the satellite network.
SpaceX has begun testing these capabilities at intervals but has not yet disclosed details on the rollout or which countries will be prioritized when the mobile service becomes available.
This development comes amid growing competition in the internet service provider market. In Kenya, a major internet service provider recently requested the Communications Authority to regulate Starlink, citing concerns that the rapidly expanding service poses a threat to existing providers.
