Overview
- SpaceX filed U.S. trademark applications for "Starlink Mobile" and "Powered by Starlink," indicating plans for a branded mobile offering that works with ordinary smartphones.
- The Oct. 16 USPTO application cites personal cellular services and two-way transmission of text, voice and audio, and it is awaiting examiner assignment.
- The trademark move follows SpaceX’s roughly $17 billion purchase of wireless spectrum from EchoStar earlier this year seen as groundwork for a standalone network.
- Starlink has launched about 650 Direct-to-Cell satellites and has asked regulators to authorize up to 15,000 next-generation satellites to expand coverage.
- For now, Starlink’s phone connectivity is limited to satellite messaging through partners such as T-Mobile and Rogers, and SpaceX has not announced consumer launch details.