SpaceX Starlink Mobile takes a new technological direction because, according to the latest information, SpaceX plans to develop its own RF chips for direct communication between satellites and mobile devices.
A new job posting reveals that SpaceX is seeking an engineer to develop the RF front-end module, a key component in mobile devices that manages the reception and transmission of wireless signals. These modules include antennas, amplifiers and filters for signal processing, and their optimization is crucial for connection quality.
SpaceX Starlink Mobile gets its own RF chip
A special focus was placed on the development of the so-called multi-chip modules, which would combine RF components for 5G, LTE and Wi-Fi communication. The goal is their integration into the Starlink Mobile network, which would improve the performance and stability of the connection.
The move is linked to the company’s wider plans to enhance the Starlink Mobile service by using the radio spectrum it is taking over from EchoStar. The new generation of satellites, planned for launch in mid-2027, should enable speeds of up to 150 Mbps, which is a significant jump compared to the current around 4 Mbps.
According to earlier statements made by Elon Musk, it will take about two years for phone manufacturers to adapt their chips to work with the new frequencies. In that process, SpaceX cooperates with manufacturers of devices and modems, and it is speculated that Samsung is also developing compatible solutions.
It is interesting that SpaceX is now considering its own production of RF components, which indicates a desire for greater control over the complete communication system between phones and satellites orbiting at an altitude of over 300 kilometers.
Currently, Starlink Mobile is available through cooperation with T-Mobile, while in the future it is expected to expand to other operators such as Boost Mobile and US Mobile. At the same time, the competition is not standing still – AT&T and Verizon are developing their own solutions in cooperation with the company AST SpaceMobile. Everything indicates that SpaceX’s entry into chip development is not just a technical step, but a strategic move towards complete control of the future satellite mobile infrastructure, writes PCMAG.