CEM REPORT, TECHNOLOGY | SpaceX, the satellite company founded by Elon Musk, has announced the launch of six Starlink satellites that can connect directly to cell phones, redefining mobile communication globally.
The launch, which was announced via X handle yesterday, is part of SpaceX’s ambitious plan to provide global internet access through a constellation of thousands of satellites.
The six Starlink satellites have a special feature called direct-to-cell, which allows them to provide texting, calling, and browsing services to existing LTE phones, without the need for ground stations or special hardware.
This means that people can use their phones to communicate anywhere on Earth, even in remote areas where there is no cellular network.
“Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data,” Starlink said in a post on its website.
The company added that the service would start with texting, while voice, data, and IoT services are expected to come on board next year.
SpaceX and Terrestrial Mobile Networks
Musk, who is also the CEO of SpaceX, said that the direct-to-cell service would not compete with terrestrial mobile networks, but rather complement them.
“Note that 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 cellular networks,” Musk stated.
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He also said that the service would be useful for disaster relief, emergency response, and rural areas.
“With Direct to Cell, you can stay connected wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters,” Starlink said.
Starlink is not the only company that is aiming to provide direct-to-device satellite services. Other players in the market include Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile, which have also launched satellites with similar capabilities.
Starlink, however, has an edge over its competitors, as it has already deployed more than 1,800 satellites in orbit, and plans to launch thousands more in the coming years.
Starlink currently operates in Nigeria and some African countries as one of the leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Though the service is costly, it has gained traction among customers who value high-speed and reliable internet access.
