Persistent complaints about dropped calls, slow data speeds and unreliable cellular service in Lakewood could eventually become less common if SpaceX succeeds in its ambitious plans to expand into the wireless market.
Speaking during an earnings call this week alongside company founder, CEO, and Chief Engineer Elon Musk, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said the company expects to attract “quite a few” customers from the nation’s largest wireless carriers — Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile — by combining newly acquired wireless spectrum from EchoStar with a future generation of Starlink satellites designed to eliminate cellular dead zones.
“I anticipate us to be able to acquire quite a few of their customers, because I think our service will be better,” she said.
The comments come as Lakewood residents have increasingly voiced frustration over wireless service, particularly as the township’s rapid population growth has placed added strain on existing cellular infrastructure. Complaints of dropped calls, delayed text messages and inconsistent data connections have become a frequent complaint across town.
While she didn’t specify where they would be offering service first, Shotwell said the company believes its satellite-to-cell technology can provide coverage in areas where traditional cellular networks struggle, supplementing existing towers rather than replacing them.
The effort builds on Starlink’s growing direct-to-cell capabilities, which are intended to allow ordinary smartphones to connect directly to satellites when terrestrial service is unavailable or congested. SpaceX recently strengthened those ambitions by acquiring access to EchoStar’s wireless spectrum, giving the company additional frequencies that could support future mobile services.
If the technology matures as envisioned, it could also help alleviate congestion in densely populated communities where demand often exceeds the capacity of existing networks.
For Lakewood, where explosive residential and commercial growth has outpaced infrastructure in several areas, improved wireless coverage would likely be welcomed by residents and businesses alike.
With a last name like Shotwell, I think the SpaceX President is uniquely qualified to deal with the issue of “Dead Spots.” (Just kidding. Pun intended)
Can Hamas be eliminated? Can dead spots in Lakewood ever be eliminated? Hopefully.
Starlink is designed to work for remote open spaces. starlink to cell would therefore only work in the open (even in non remote open space) not in most indoor spaces. Some indoor spaces like near thin windows may work but not inside your house.
If they use the frequencies they purchased from EchoStar to launch a 4th terrestrial network (like the rumor mill is suggesting), then service would work indoors as well, with Starlink direct-to-cell as a backup to fill in the gaps.
Additionally, Starlink direct-to-cell isn’t compatible with any flip phone currently on the market.
I have att and have no problems