Tim Farrar, an analyst at satellite and telecom-focused consulting and research firm Telecom, Media and Finance Associates, however, thinks T-Mobile’s timing could be because another huge competitor is about to enter the market — one that could have advantages that AST, SpaceX, and Lynk don’t.
While AST has regulatory approval for commercial operation in seven countries, according to Wisniewski, the FCC has only authorized it toAs for SpaceX and T-Mobile, their plans are quite a ways out, giving the companies time to try and work things out with regulators — they don’t expect to even start testing their service until the end of next year.
As for AST and Lynk, neither company is particularly interested in competing on that front. “You don’t need to build these remote cell towers if your phone’s already connected by the satellite,” said Miller.At this point, there’s really only one thing that seems totally clear: T-Mobile and SpaceX have let a genie out of the bottle.
Great article in Verge on other players + satellite-to-phone tech. LynkTheWorld has been using its 'cell phone towers in orbit' to communicate to unmodified cellphones for 2 yrs. “We’ve been getting all kinds of calls of carriers today who are like ‘help us!’” says Lynk's CEO.
like.. this seems unnecessary, dangerous, and more importantly could really smash on all the toes of every singe carrier in the world. - i like the safety standpoint but thats it. T-Mobile reining supreme and taking the monopoly over. i like T-Mobile, but this is.. bigger
I don't think it's mentioned enough that Google owns 10% of SpaceX and has a seat on their board. This announcement would have been a great opportunity for them to emphasize RCS will be the first messaging support on this network. Put 🔥to Apple's feet.
I funny think it's mentioned enough that Google owns 10% of SpaceX and has a seat on their board. This announcement would have been a great opportunity for them to emphasize RCS will be the first messaging support on this network. Put 🔥to Apple's feet.
Time to cancel my T-Mobile account