AT&T opposes Starlink and T-Mobile’s satellite-to-phone service plan

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AT&T opposes Starlink and T-Mobile’s satellite-to-phone service plan: AT&T has voiced its opposition to a plan by Starlink and T-Mobile to offer satellite-to-phone service. The telecom giant has filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block the proposal, citing concerns over interference with its own wireless network. Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, and T-Mobile have proposed a joint venture that would allow T-Mobile customers to use Starlink’s satellite network to make calls and send texts in areas with poor or no cellular coverage.

The plan would require the FCC to grant a waiver to allow the use of certain radio frequencies for the service. AT&T argues that the proposed service would interfere with its own wireless network, causing “significant harmful interference” to its customers. The company also claims that the proposed use of radio frequencies would violate FCC rules and regulations. The FCC has yet to make a decision on the proposal, but AT&T’s opposition could delay or even derail the joint venture.

The telecom giant has a history of opposing similar proposals, including a plan by Ligado Networks to use satellite frequencies for a 5G network. The proposed satellite-to-phone service could be a game-changer for rural areas and other areas with poor cellular coverage.

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It would allow customers to stay connected even in areas where traditional cellular service is unavailable or unreliable. However, the proposal has faced opposition from other telecom companies, who argue that it would interfere with their own networks. The debate over the use of radio frequencies for satellite-to-phone service highlights the ongoing struggle between telecom companies and satellite providers. While satellite technology offers a promising solution for areas with poor cellular coverage, it also poses a threat to traditional telecom companies.

As the demand for reliable connectivity continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more proposals for satellite-to-phone service in the future. However, these proposals will continue to face opposition from traditional telecom companies, who are concerned about the impact on their own networks.

AT&T opposes Starlink and T-Mobile’s satellite-to-phone service plan: In conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed joint venture between Starlink and T-Mobile to offer satellite-to-phone service has faced opposition from AT&T, who argue that it would interfere with their own wireless network. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle between traditional telecom companies and satellite providers, as both seek to provide reliable connectivity to customers.

While satellite technology offers a promising solution for areas with poor cellular coverage, it also poses a threat to traditional telecom companies. As the demand for reliable connectivity continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more proposals for satellite-to-phone service in the future, but they will continue to face opposition from traditional telecom companies.

John Biggs

John Biggs is an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and maker. He spent fifteen years as an editor for Gizmodo, CrunchGear, and TechCrunch and has a deep background in hardware startups, 3D printing, and blockchain. His work has appeared in Men’s Health, Wired, and the New York Times.

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