FCC approves satellite connectivity for smartphones; SpaceX, Lynk, AST involved

Summary: The U.S. FCC approved Supplemental Coverage from Space for satellite operators to provide connectivity to smartphones. Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile aim to offer texting, calls, and data services directly to smartphones. SpaceX plans to launch Starlink for this purpose. FCC's SCS framework ensures cooperation between space and terrestrial communications. SpaceX's financial arrangements with T-Mobile are undisclosed. AST SpaceMobile received $155 million in funding from AT&T and Vodafone.

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