Tech billionaire Elon Musk has confirmed that Starlink will not be developing a smartphone, putting an end to months of speculation. Musk responded to a user on X who had claimed that SpaceX was reportedly working on a smartphone to expand its satellite business ahead of an IPO. He denied the claims, stating simply, “We are not developing a phone.”
The rumours began after reports suggested SpaceX might be planning a phone capable of connecting directly to Starlink’s satellite network. The speculation generated significant buzz on social media, leading many to believe Musk could launch a phone in the coming months.
Although the rumours were later clarified by Musk himself, who stated that his company was not working on a phone at all.
Over the past few years, the SpaceX CEO has repeatedly said that the company was experimenting with a Starlink-enabled device, though he never claimed it would be a conventional cell phone.
However, SpaceX is indeed aiming to revolutionise satellite internet services worldwide by extending satellite connectivity to existing smartphones.
As of now, Starlink terminals have enabled internet access in some of the most far-flung and remote corners of the world. The service has proven highly effective during the Russia-Ukraine war and in recent protests in Iran.
Although the Starlink network has experienced technical glitches and has been subject to disruptions caused by governments imposing area access denial measures, such as Iran’s use of a “kill switch” to block satellite access for its users.
Meanwhile, Musk’s decision not to develop a dedicated smartphone appears to be influenced by the reality that satellite-enabled internet services can be disrupted by nation-states at their will.
As of now, he has rejected the idea of developing such a device and reaffirmed that the priority remains on improving global internet access through the dedicated satellite network.
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