THE Federal Communications Commission has just approved a first-of-its-kind license to bring Internet access to dead zones and other remote areas.

On Tuesday, the FCC gave its approval for T-Mobile and Elon MuskIt is EspaceX Starlink subsidiary to partner and provide additional telecommunications coverage.

As Reuters reports, this is the first time the FCC has granted a license to a “collaborating satellite operator with a wireless carrier.” T-Mobile will use Starlink satellites to provide coverage from space over “certain flexible-use spectrum bands allocated for terrestrial service.”

Last month, T-Mobile and Starlink worked together to bring free cellular coverage via satellite to those who weren’t connected. affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The commission temporarily approved the cell phone coverage system due to the emergency, and its latest approval grants the two companies a non-emergency license to provide satellite internet services.

“The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between land mobile carriers and satellite operators to ensure a single network future that ends mobile dead zones,” the Chair said. of the FCC, Jessica Rosenworcel, in a press release.

However, as The edge points out, there are certain restrictions in the FCC Filing.

SpaceX cannot yet increase the radio transmission power of its Starlink satellites. Companies such as AT&T and Verizon are concerned that it could interfere with their carriers’ networks.

Regardless, the FCC approval gives Starlink an edge over its competitors. According to Reuters, applications awaiting review from other companies are in progress. However, the first approval has just been given to Starlink and T-Mobile.