SpaceX is targeting peak download speeds of 150Mbps per user for its next-generation Direct-to-Cell Starlink service. The update was shared by SpaceX Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs Lead Udrivolf Pica during the International Telecommunication Union\u2019s Space Connect conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are aiming at peak speeds of 150Mbps per user,\u201d Pica said during the conference<\/a>. \u201cSo something incredible if you think about the link budgets from space to the mobile phone.\u201d<\/p>\n If achieved, the 150Mbps goal would represent a significant jump from the current performance of Starlink Direct-to-Cell.<\/p>\n Today, SpaceX\u2019s cellular Starlink service, offered in partnership with T-Mobile under the T-Satellite brand, provides speeds of roughly 4Mbps per user. The service is designed primarily for texts, low-resolution video calls, and select apps in locations that traditionally have no cellular service.<\/p>\n STARLINK: During the International Telecommunication Union’s Space Connect video conference, SpaceX Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs Lead, Udrivolf Pica stated, “We are aiming at peak speeds of 150Mbps per user\u2026 So something incredible if you think about the link budgets from\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/3ZBSI6jLY5<\/a>\u2014 S.E. Robinson, Jr. (@SERobinsonJr) February 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n By comparison, Ookla data shows median 5G download speeds of approximately 309Mbps for T-Mobile and 172Mbps for AT&T in the United States, as noted in a PCMag<\/a> report. While 150Mbps would still trail the fastest terrestrial 5G networks, it would place satellite-to-phone broadband much closer to conventional carrier performance, even in remote areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pica indicated that the upgraded system would support \u201cvideo, voice, and data services, clearly,\u201d moving beyond emergency connectivity and basic messaging use cases.<\/p>\n