Starlink's Future 4G Network Is Even More Impressive Than We Thought

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Starlink is on a mission to completely end dead zones. And it is currently developing a new service called Direct to Cell that, as its name suggests, will allow smartphones to connect via its satellites, without going through Starlink antennas. In order to allow people to communicate where traditional mobile networks are absent, the satellites specially designed for this service act as cell towers in space. As a result, unlike Apple's satellite communication service, the one that will be offered by Starlink will be compatible with all 4G devices.

While waiting for the deployment of this service, Starlink has already made some demonstrations. But what we didn't know until now is that it won't even be necessary to be outdoors for a smartphone to be able to communicate with Starlink's Direct to Cell satellites. Indeed, our colleagues at PC Mag spotted a discussion on this subject, on X, between Internet users and Ben Longmier, the head of satellite engineering at SpaceX. One person thought that Direct to Cell wouldn't work indoors. But Longmier responded to him by explaining that he does most of his tests indoors, at his dining table, while indicating that this table is located near a window.

Otherwise, the SpaceX manager also claims that Starlink's Direct to Cell service works even when the smartphone is in a pocket opposite the satellite, and when the smartphone is in a Tesla. Moreover, he indicates that he did not expect this performance, thinking that the signal will be attenuated by the human body. This discussion also made Elon Musk react, who replied with a “cool”.

An operator carries out a first stage in Japan

As a reminder, Starlink’s Direct to Cell service will be provided in collaboration with operators. And in Japan, it is the operator KDDI that is the partner of Elon Musk’s company. Recently, KDDI announced the success of a demonstration of the technology. During this demonstration, the smartphone was able to send and receive text messages, passing through Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellites. “This will improve KDDI’s cellular connectivity in areas beyond the limits of traditional 4G and 5G networks, including remote islands and mountains, providing peace of mind when customers need it most,”, the operator’s press release states.

Initially, Direct to Cell will only support text messages. But Starlink already plans to add support for voice calls and mobile data as early as 2025.

• Starlink is still preparing to launch Direct to Cell, a service that will allow smartphones to have 4G access in dead zones
• Recently, an official revealed that he was able to test this technology while inside a house, but next to a window
• He also claims that Direct to Cell will work even if the device is in a pocket facing away from the satellite, or inside a Tesla
• Initially, this service, which will be offered with carriers, will be limited to text messages
• But Starlink already plans to support voice calls and mobile data as early as 2025

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