Elon Musk’s Starlink launches first-ever Direct-To-Cell satellite, will increase connectivity in remote areas

SpaceX has successfully launched 21 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from the Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Notably, this launch included the first six Starlink satellites equipped with “Direct to Cell” capabilities, allowing users to directly connect their cell phones to mobile networks without the need for a Starlink terminal.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, shared a video on Wednesday, stating, “First launch of Starlink Direct-to-Phone satellites.” He emphasized that this innovation enables mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.

This will allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.

Note, this only supports ~7Mb per beam and the beams are very big, so while this is a great solution for locations with no cellular connectivity, it is not meaningfully competitive with existing terrestrial… https://t.co/ymHpw8XBHl

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2024

However, Musk clarified that the Direct-to-Cell capability supports only 7 MB per beam, with large beams, making it suitable for locations lacking cellular connectivity but not significantly competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks.

Direct-to-cell satellite connectivity refers to a communication system where satellites communicate directly with individual cellular devices (such as smartphones, tablets, or IoT devices) without the need for an intermediate ground-based infrastructure.

In traditional cellular networks, communication between devices and satellites is typically mediated through ground-based cell towers and base stations.

However, in direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, this intermediate step is bypassed, allowing for direct communication between the satellite and the cellular device.

SpaceX’s official post highlighted the global impact of these satellites, stating, “The six @Starlink satellites on this mission with direct-to-cell capability will further global connectivity and help to eliminate dead zones.” Interested users can access more information at http://direct.starlink.com.

The introduction of Starlink Direct-to-Phone satellites addresses the goal of providing mobile phone access worldwide and offering a solution for areas with inadequate cellular coverage. The innovative satellites feature advanced modems acting as cellphone towers in space, potentially eliminating cell phone service dead zones on the ground.

SpaceX envisions partnering with network providers worldwide to extend Direct to Cell services, similar to global roaming agreements. Already, several providers, including T-Mobile in the United States, Rogers in Canada, KDDI in Japan, Optus in Australia, One NZ in New Zealand, Salt in Switzerland, and Entel in Chile and Peru, are utilizing Direct to Cell for reciprocal access in partner nations.

In 2023, SpaceX focused extensively on expanding its Starlink low-Earth orbit satellite network. Despite facing challenges, such as two explosions during Starship test flights, the company achieved numerous crew and cargo missions to the International Space Station.

SpaceX continues to advance its position as a leader in satellite internet, with over 5,000 active satellites providing relatively low-latency internet from orbit. The recent launch underscores SpaceX’s commitment to growing the world’s largest satellite internet network.

(With input from agencies)

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