Ahead of a possible IPO as early as this year, SpaceX is marking a clear direction: A significant expansion of Starlink’s activities far beyond home satellite internet. According to sources familiar with the details, the company is examining the development of a mobile device that will connect directly to Starlink satellites - without the need for a terminal, external antennas, or a regular cellular provider. This technology aims to enable a direct connection from the phone to space, which could turn Starlink into a real alternative to today’s familiar cellular plans.
The phone in question is not merely a communication device, but part of Elon Musk’s broader vision of integrating space and artificial intelligence. Musk himself has referred to this possibility, noting that the device would be “very different from phones currently on the market,” with a central emphasis on maximizing its AI performance (Neural Nets). Although Musk has recently denied that there is active phone development at the moment, trademark filings for “Starlink Mobile” and the acquisition of satellite spectrum from EchoStar for $17 billion indicate long-term strategic preparations in the field.
In parallel with the mobile venture, SpaceX recently completed a merger with xAI, a move intended to establish “data centers in space.” The plan includes launching thousands of satellites that will serve as artificial intelligence computing stations, leveraging available solar energy and natural cooling conditions. The connection between the future smartphone and the computing power in space is expected to provide users with processing capabilities that do not depend on ground-based infrastructure, thereby positioning SpaceX as a direct competitor not only to telecommunications companies but also to technology giants.
The ability to carry out these plans depends largely on the “Starship” rocket, which is supposed to launch the next generation of Starlink satellites. These satellites will be 20 times larger and more powerful than the current models, enabling them to transmit signals strong enough to be received by small mobile devices without the need for special hardware. Currently, the service is already undergoing initial tests for sending text messages directly to satellites in cooperation with operators worldwide, but SpaceX’s device is expected to offer a full connectivity experience that includes calls and fast browsing.
Beyond the consumer domain, SpaceX is also expanding into monitoring and government services. The company recently launched the “Stargaze” service, which uses satellite cameras to monitor activity in near-Earth space. This service, together with the potential of the satellite phone, is turning Starlink from an internet provider arm into a multi-layered global infrastructure.