Musk’s SpaceX plots UK phone network to tackle rural ‘not spots’

ELON MUSK’S SpaceX is laying the groundwork to connect his Starlink satellite service to the UK’s mobile phone network as rural households struggle with poor signal coverage.

In a filing with telecoms regulator Ofcom, the billionaire’s space business asked for permission to expand its network of ground terminals which would pave the way for it launching a mobile service.

The upgrades to its network would allow Starlink to do deals with British telecoms companies to boost their coverage, while it will also help with “supporting SpaceX’s new Direct-to-Cell service (pending regulatory approval)”.

Starlink is already testing a service in the US that would allow text messages to be sent from unmodified mobile phones via satellite, potentially ridding the country of mobile blackspots.

In December, the business said: “This year, we look forward to expanding our testing to include greater coverage; launching hundreds of satellites to enable our text constellation... and expanding our global footprint.”

Currently, satellite-to-mobile services are not authorised in the UK, but it is understood Ofcom plans to launch a call for evidence on the technology in the coming months. It is understood the new application is designed to provide capacity for its broadband service.

Mr Musk’s network consists of 6,000 satellites, orbiting 350 miles above Earth, which beam down broadband signals to satellite dishes for homes and business. In its filing with Ofcom, SpaceX asked to expand its ground infrastructure with a “number of gateway antennas” in Hampshire, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and on the Isle of Man.

In a consultation form, Ofcom said it did not believe expansion would interfere with rival services.

To Ofcom, Starlink said its potential new mobile coverage could “allow customers to access an unprecedented level of connectivity”. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.