A step towards global communication: SpaceX launches first Starlink satellites with direct connection to smartphones
SpaceX has launched the first Starlink satellites with direct connection to smartphones. In the future, this will facilitate the development of global connectivity and help eliminate dead zones where there is currently no connection.
The six @Starlink satellites on this mission with Direct to Cell capability will further global connectivity and help to eliminate dead zones → https://t.co/FgiJ7LOYdK pic.twitter.com/zFy7SrpsYs
– SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 3, 2024
“This will allow smartphones to be connected anywhere in the world. Each beam can only support about 7 Mbps, so it’s a great solution for places without cellular coverage, but it won’t compete with terrestrial cellular networks,” Elon Musk said.
The technology will allow sending text messages as early as 2024, and in 2025 it will support voice calls and web browsing.
Falcon 9 launches 21 @Starlink satellites into orbit from California, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities → https://t.co/FgiJ7LOYdK pic.twitter.com/IKBkTSB63C
– SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 3, 2024
“Direct to Cell works with phones wherever the sky is visible. No need to upgrade hardware or [download] special apps – it will provide seamless access to text, voice, and data,” the SpaceX website says.
- The company, owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, announced the launch of this service last year together with its American partner T-Mobile
