Higher-power cellphone service approved for Musk's Starlink despite objections

WASHINGTON, Mar 08 (Reuters): The US Federal Communications Commission on Friday said it would allow Starlink, a unit of Elon Musk's SpaceX, to operate a direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile at higher power levels despite objections by rival companies.

AT&T <T.N> and Verizon had filed objections to the higher power levels saying it could result in harmful interference and impact their service in some areas. The FCC said it was approving the waiver for higher power levels "subject to conditions that will protect terrestrial wireless carrier operations."

Musk, the billionaire CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla, SpaceX and the social media platform X, contributed millions of dollars to President Donald Trump's campaign and is overseeing Trump's cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the decision enables "faster, more reliable and innovative new services for consumers across the country."

The FCC said it is requiring Starlink to "address any harmful interference, if it occurs."