SpaceX and T-Mobile to start testing satellite communications for simple smartphones
In 2023, SpaceX will launch a satellite-to-cell+ service that will be available to ordinary smartphones. But it is still in test mode.
Elon Musk’s company will cooperate with T-Mobile cellular operator. It is reported by CNBC with reference to SpaceX Vice President Jonathan Hofeller.
Equipment for direct connection of smartphones to satellites is installed on Starlink V2 spacecraft. The company has already launched several second-generation satellites into orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket, but it is not profitable. Therefore, SpaceX will wait until regulators allow the use of the Starship spacecraft with a Super Heavy rocket.
Until then, the company will launch Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit. They are equipped with more powerful antennas compared to the first-generation satellites, which have about 4,000 units in orbit.
Jonathan Hofeller also noted that Starlink already has more than 1 million active users. This mark was reached in December 2022. At the end of last year, the service had a positive balance, and in 2023 it will start making money.
