SpaceX Starlinks achieved first direct satellite connection to cell to facilitate remote access

SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced yesterday that SpaceX has completed its first constellation of direct-to-cellphone Starlink satellites, which will enable Internet connectivity in remote areas without the need for cell towers.

He revealed it on X, tweeting: “The first constellation of Starlink satellites directly to cell phones is now complete. This will enable unmodified cell phones to have internet connectivity in remote areas.

Musk noted, however, that the bandwidth per beam is only 10 MB, but assured that future constellations will be much more efficient. Musk’s announcement follows SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch of 20 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Station in California.
According to Starlink, Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones anywhere you can see the sky.

He adds: “No modifications to hardware, firmware or special applications are required, providing seamless access to text, voice and data. » The Direct to Cell satellites will initially be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, then on Starship. Once in orbit, they will immediately connect via laser link to the Starlink constellation to provide global connectivity.

The company further said that text functionality will begin in 2024, and voice, data, and Internet of Things will begin in 2025.

According to the company, it has partnered with operators such as T-Mobile, Rogers, One NZ, KDDI, Optus, Entel and Salt to bring the service to life.