SpaceX has been granted U.S. authorisation to start testing signals between Starlink satellites and standard mobile phones on the earth via airwaves with partner T-Mobile. Within the trials, 840 satellites and roughly 2,000 phones will be test devices.

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX requested a six-month trial period, which was approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

SpaceX and other firms are vying to enter the market for satellite-enabled calls presenting connections in remote areas outside cell tower service.

Telecommunications companies are working to ensure the services employ standard consumer mobile phones so there is no specialised equipment required because it reduces the cost and allows consumers to easier switch between different providers.

SpaceX’s satellites will loop and go around the low-Earth orbit, while current satellite phones regularly link to geosynchronous satellites in certain positions at higher altitudes.

AT&T is also looking to join the market by allowing for users to call via satellite with satellite operator AST SpaceMobile.

While Apple will allow iPhone customers to send texts via satellite to notify authorities of emergencies in locations without cellular coverage.

SpaceX has said the new approval will allow the company to “begin testing its transformative direct-to-cell technology, which will bring connectivity in areas where terrestrial mobile networks are absent or have been impacted by natural disasters.”