While it already offers a residential satellite connection, Starlink has also been working for a while on a mobile service called Direct to Cell. Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellites are of a completely new type since they have equipment that allows them to operate like 4G towers from space. The goal is to put an end to white zones by connecting smartphones. And, unlike other satellite communication services (like Apple’s), Starlink’s does not require any special equipment, since it is compatible with any 4G device.
As PCMag reports, SpaceX recently launched a batch of 12 Direct to Cell satellites, and now has 320 such satellites in space. For its part, the Federal Communications Commission has just granted the company authorization which will allow it to exploit these satellites to provide a mobile service. Therefore, we should expect Starlink to make an announcement soon. “We thank the FCC for today’s order that authorizes the next important step on the road to eliminating cell phone dead zones. Lots more information to come from T-Mobile and Starlink. Stay tuned!”indicated the American operator T-Mobile, which is Starlink’s partner in the United States, in a press release relayed by PC Mag.
The end of white zones?
In theory, Starlink’s Direct to Cell will provide mobile service anywhere in the world. However, the coverage of this will be limited, since SpaceX must collaborate with telephone operators to provide this service. The partners announced by the company are T-Mobile for the United States, Optus for Australia, Rogers for Canada, One NZ for New Zealand, KDDI for Japan, SALT for Switzerland, as well as Entel for Chile and Peru.
At first, Direct to Cell should be limited to sending SMS messages. However, Starlink is already planning to extend this mobile satellite service to calls and mobile data from 2025. In addition to the fact that Direct to Cell allows you to have network in areas that are not covered by the operators’ infrastructures, it can also serve as a relief network in areas affected by natural disasters.
- For a while, SpaceX has been working on a Starlink Direct to Cell service which allows 4G in white areas
- And recently, it obtained the green light from the American authorities
- The official launch is expected to be imminent, but availability of this service will be limited to countries where Starlink works with operators
