While the world is in the pre-holiday hustle and bustle, SpaceX continues to conquer the technology sphere.
The last news digest from Adaptis this year is dedicated to the final chords in building a holistic Starlink ecosystem.
Today we'll look at how satellite communications have become a basic necessity for us by the end of the year: from Wi-Fi on airplanes to the Direct-to-Cell revolution that allows us to stay connected anywhere. We'll see what we're going to get into 2026 and how low-orbit satellite communications are becoming a part of our everyday lives - both in the sky and on the ground.
Starlink Mobile: satellite communication in your smartphone
SpaceX has filed a trademark application for Starlink Mobile, indicating that the company plans to create its own cellular network. The project will not be based on classic terrestrial communication, but on Direct-to-Cell (D2C) technology. That is, data will be transmitted to a smartphone directly from Starlink satellites, which act as space-based cell towers.
To scale the service, SpaceX plans to launch more than 15,000 V3 satellites into orbit starting in 2026, which will provide 20 times more power than current devices. We wrote about this in more detail in a previous digest. This will allow Starlink Mobile to offer download speeds of up to 100 Mbps anywhere in the world as early as 2027, creating direct competition for traditional mobile giants such as Verizon and T-Mobile.
The whole point of this technology is to partner with mobile operators. The operator provides part of its frequency spectrum, and the satellite, if there is a direct line of sight to the sky, retransmits the signal to the operator's terrestrial network.
By the way, Ukraine became the first country in Europe where this technology has been launched, thanks to the partnership between SpaceX and the operator Kyivstar. After a successful test period for owners of Android smartphones, during which more than 2 million subscribers sent more than 534 thousand SMS, the service became officially available for iPhone users. Now, owners of Apple smartphones, starting from the 13th line, with iOS 26.2, can stay connected even in areas where it is not available. The system automatically switches to the "Kyivstar | SpaceX" network when the terrestrial signal disappears, which is expected to expand the number of satellite communication users in Ukraine to 15.5 million people.
Starlink is experimenting with new sales formats
Starlink is testing new methods of selling its terminals. After the equipment appeared in large retail chains such as Home Depot, Best Buy, Costco and Walmart, as well as on Amazon, and opened its own specialized stores in regions with poor coverage, Elon Musk's company has introduced a new, unexpected method of retailing - the Starlink vending machine. Notebookcheck reports.
The first such machine was placed in the Jordan Creek Mall in Des Moines, Iowa. It allows you to purchase Starlink equipment at a record low price – $89 (~3760 UAH) for a standard kit. And this is much cheaper than ever before.
What’s more, to encourage sales, those who purchase a kit from the machine and activate it within a week will receive $100 in service credits (virtual funds in Starlink users’ accounts). This offer effectively makes the Starlink antenna free, similar to the offer on the website, but without the need to return the equipment in the event of service termination. The machine also sells additional accessories, such as mounts and routers, giving customers the option of quick self-service.
Watching the success of this format in the States, a logical question arises: how quickly will such machines spread beyond the US?
We at Adaptis assume that countries where people travel a lot by car or live in private homes, such as Canada or Australia, may be next.
SpaceX partnership with private aviation leader NetJets
SpaceX has partnered with NetJets, the world’s largest private aviation company, to equip about 600 aircraft with Starlink high-speed satellite internet terminals by the end of 2026. The company says the reliable internet will make flights even more comfortable, whether aircraft owners are flying for business or just for leisure.
Thanks to Stalrlink technologies, NetJets customers will be able to freely make video calls, broadcast and play online games even during long flights.
The installation process will begin soon on Cessna Citation Latitude, Embraer Praetor 500, Cessna Citation Longitudes, Bombardier Challenger 350, Bombardier Challenger 650 and the entire Bombardier Global fleet in the US, as well as on Bombardier Challenger 650 and Bombardier Global aircraft based in Europe.
Textron Aviation recently received official FAA approval to use Starlink on Cessna Citation Longitude aircraft, thanks to the certification of a special kit from AeroMech. In addition, as we mentioned earlier, United Airlines has joined the technological race: the airline plans to install satellite internet on all of its regional aircraft, at a rate of more than 40 installations per month.
Integrated communication at Tesla: transparent radio frequency roof as the future of electric cars
Tesla has filed a U.S. patent application for the integration of transparent radio frequency materials into the roof structure. Unlike the usual metal or glass, such materials freely transmit the signal, allowing Starlink communication modules to be embedded directly into the roof of the electric car at the factory assembly stage.
And while the official documents don't explicitly mention SpaceX or Starlink, the specifications indicate preparations for the introduction of high-speed satellite internet. This solution will allow drivers to stay connected even in the most isolated regions and during trips where conventional LTE mobile coverage is absent. In addition to network access, the integrated antennas will improve the operation of navigation systems and autonomous functions of the car.
An important aspect of the patent is the multi-layer roof structure, which increases strength for passenger safety, as well as improves the car's noise and heat insulation.
The diagram attached to the documentation shows that this design provides working viewing angles for various types of signals, including LTE and GNSS navigation systems. This indicates a deep study of the reception geometry, which is critical for stable communication while driving.
However, it is worth noting that this is currently just a patent application, and the technology will be intended exclusively for future Tesla models. Furthermore, even if we do expect this new feature, it will not appear anytime soon.
And for those who want to provide their car with stable satellite communication today, we offer our Adaptis kits made of radio-transparent materials, which allow you to integrate Starlink into any car, while maintaining high signal quality and aesthetic appearance.
Conclusion
It seems that we are gradually approaching an era when the concept of “no connection” will simply disappear. What seemed like fantasy yesterday is now, at the end of 2025, becoming the basic standard for the user.
At Adaptis , we believe that the future is not about fixed solutions, but about maximum mobility. SpaceX’s strategy to make connectivity available everywhere – whether you’re flying in a plane, driving in a car, or just traveling with a mobile home – shows that modern technologies can develop at an incredible speed. And our mission is to make these innovations available to you here and now.
At the end of this year, we are not just observing changes, but actively helping to adapt modern technological solutions to real needs, so that in 2026 you will always be connected where you need to be.
Thank you for being with us this year!
