Elon Musk-led SpaceX’s Starlink is planning to deploy satellites with Direct-to-Cell capability, enabling connectivity for cell phone users.
What Happened: According to the Starlink website, “Starlink satellites with Direct-to-Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters.”
Text services are expected to start in 2024, followed by voice and data in 2025, and no additional firmware or apps will be required since Direct-to-Cell works with existing LTE phones.
See Also: Best Telecommunication Stocks Right Now
Initially, satellites equipped with this capability will be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9, but later they will be deployed via Starship. These satellites will operate as cell towers in space.
SpaceX has partnered with several companies to provide this service, including T-Mobile TMUS in the U.S., Optus in Australia, Rogers in Canada, One NZ in New Zealand, KDDI in Japan, and Salt in Switzerland.
Why It Matters: The technology alliance between SpaceX and T-Mobile was announced last year, with T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert mentioning beta testing in 2023.
Musk estimated connectivity at 2 to 4 Mbits per cell zone. However, it appears that the initial plans have been delayed, and the timeline remains uncertain, especially with the status of the Starship’s second flight test awaiting approval after a failed attempt in April.
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