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While it already offers a residential satellite connection, Starlink has also been working on a mobile service called Direct to Cell for a while now. Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellites are a completely new type of satellite, as they are equipped with equipment that allows them to function as 4G towers from space. The goal is to eliminate dead zones by connecting smartphones. And, unlike other satellite communication services (like Apple’s), Starlink’s does not require any special equipment, as 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. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission has just granted the company permission to use these satellites to provide mobile service, so expect Starlink to make an announcement soon. “Thanks to the FCC for its order today, which authorizes the next major step toward eliminating mobile dead zones. Much more to come from T-Mobile and Starlink. Stay tuned!”, said the American operator T-Mobile, which is Starlink’s partner in the United States, in a press release relayed by PC Mag.
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In theory, Starlink’s Direct to Cell will allow for worldwide mobile service. However, coverage will be limited, as SpaceX must work with mobile carriers to provide the 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, and Entel for Chile and Peru.
Initially, Direct to Cell should be limited to sending SMS messages. However, Starlink is already planning to extend this mobile satellite service to mobile calls and data as early as 2025. In addition to the fact that Direct to Cell allows to have network in areas that are not covered by the operators' infrastructures, it can also serve as a backup network in areas affected by natural disasters.
- For some time, SpaceX has been working on a Starlink Direct to Cell service that allows to have 4G in dead zones
- And recently, it got the green light from the American authorities
- The official launch should be imminent, but the availability of this service will be limited to countries where Starlink works with operators
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