Internet from space: Starlink is now available on smartphones
SpaceX’s Starlink project, which provides Internet access via satellites, has reached a new milestone. Now it works on regular smartphones without the need to purchase additional hardware.
SpaceX spokespeople confirmed this on the X-network, saying that the message attached to the post was sent to a smartphone via a SpaceX satellite. The message was sent using a smartphone connected directly to the satellite, not to a mobile network on the ground.
The groundwork for this achievement was laid at the end of 2023, when SpaceX received permission to test Starlink’s communication with smartphones. In January 2024, the company launched Starlink satellites, some of which support Direct to Cell (DTC) technology.
DTC provides smartphones:
- Internet connection;
- the ability to receive text messages;
- the ability to make voice calls.
Anywhere, even where there is no landline connection. No additional devices are required,” SpaceX says.
To launch this service for everyone, the developer needs to obtain permission from the American regulator FCC.
At the first stage, only SMS messages will be available, and next year support for voice satellite communication will be added.
Earlier, Musk demonstrated the capabilities of Tesla’s humanoid robots. While a few years ago, androids were unable to move and interact with the environment on their own, now they have become much smarter and more agile. The robots were taught to sort objects and even do yoga.
