SpaceX plans to launch approximately 1,200 second-generation satellites into space by the end of 2027. The company hopes to use this to provide a mobile version of Starlink Internet service with DSL broadband quality on a global scale, with download speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbit/s.
According to the German Economic Weekly, Gwynne Shotwell announced the plan at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. "Our satellite constellation is designed to complement terrestrial networks and ensure communications services in crisis situations when mobile communications networks are disrupted," she said.
Second-generation satellite systems will provide mobile Internet connectivity across the planet with a level of connection quality previously only provided by fixed broadband networks. In addition, Starlink also plans to provide additional network capacity support to mobile operators during large-scale events.
Starlink positions the service as a "global mobile communications network from space." Deutsche Telekom has announced plans to enable its customers to use Starlink satellite services directly on their smartphones from 2027. However, the specific cost has not yet been announced.
A new generation of satellites will bring higher network speeds. It will take less than two years to complete deployment before the end of 2027. To meet this ambitious timeline, Starlink will need to put about 1,200 more satellites into orbit, which will rely on the launch capabilities of its "sister company" SpaceX.
The key lies in the new delivery system - Starship. In the future, the rocket can carry up to 50 satellites per launch and may conduct its first regular launch next year. Currently, the rocket is still in the testing phase.
Five years ago, Musk proposed the concept of "Internet from Space" at the Mobile World Congress. Since then, SpaceX has put approximately 9,800 satellites into Earth orbit, 650 of which are dedicated as mobile communication base stations that can communicate directly with smartphones.
The system claims to operate the world's largest 4G network, with about 10 million people using the service every month.