Starlink says V2 satellites will provide ‘5G speeds from space with 100x the data density’ - so get ready for a mobile speed overhaul

• Starlink V2 satellites hope to connect ordinary smartphones directly without extra equipment
• Network aims to provide uninterrupted mobile service across terrestrial and satellite coverage
• Peak speeds could reach 150 Mbps as Starlink plans to launch up to 15,000 V2 satellites

Satellite connectivity services have traditionally focused on coverage rather than raw performance, particularly compared with terrestrial mobile networks - but Starlink has now announced its next-generation V2 satellites will deliver “5G speeds from space" at with "100x the data density of the current V1 generation satellites.”

The company’s current service is limited to light data usage and basic text messaging, according to multiple mobile-focused sources, meaning the V2 upgrade promises a substantial shift in performance capabilities.

The upcoming V2 satellites are designed to be compatible with hundreds of existing LTE phones, allowing ordinary smartphones to connect directly to the network without requiring specialized hardware.