Viasat and European Space Agency aim to compete with Starlink mobile service

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In addition to its residential, aircraft, and marine connections, Starlink is also about to roll out a mobile service called Direct-to-cell that allows access to satellite communication on 4G smartphones when traditional mobile networks are not available. The unique feature of this service, which is being tested in beta in the United States, is that it does not require special equipment on smartphones (like Apple’s satellite texting), since Starlink’s Direct-to-cell satellites act like cell towers in space. The advantage of this technology is that it eliminates dead zones.

Furthermore, Viasat and the European Space Agency could offer a solution that works in exactly the same way. In a press release, the agency announced the signing in Brussels of an agreement to explore a partnership on this technology.

Competing with Direct-to-cell

“By developing direct-to-device connection technologies, we are putting Europe in a position to capitalize and gain share in a highly competitive market. By preparing a partnership with Viasat, ESA is paving the way for our Member States to access autonomous, seamless and resilient connectivity solutions that boost our technological competitiveness on the global stage, said Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General.

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Viasat aims to compete with Starlink’s Direct-to-cell, providing mobile connectivity from space, via “a satellite constellation funded by partners”.

Starlink is already well ahead

As a reminder, Starlink has already finalized the first constellation specially designed to communicate with 4G smartphones. And it has obtained the green light from the American authorities to operate. A beta is already underway with the operator T-Mobile. And Starlink is collaborating with other operators, in other countries: Optus for Australia, Rogers for Canada, One NZ for New Zealand, KDDI for Japan, SALT for Switzerland, as well as Entel for Chile and Peru.

Initially, this mobile service will only support text messages. But the company is already planning to handle calls.

• Viasat and the European Space Agency sign an agreement in Brussels to explore a partnership on mobile satellite communication technologies (such as Starlink Direct-to-cell)
• Viasat aims to launch a constellation comparable to Starlink’s Direct-to-cell constellation, which will be funded by partners
• This technology eliminates dead zones for smartphones

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