SpaceX launches new era of communication with Starlink's Direct-to-Cell technology

SpaceX has successfully completed its first Starlink satellite constellation designed to provide direct connectivity to mobile phones. 

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced on X page that the innovation is set to deliver internet access to remote areas without relying on traditional mobile towers, Caliber.Az reports.

“The first Starlink satellite direct to cell phone constellation is now complete. This will enable unmodified cell phones to have Internet connectivity in remote areas,” he said.

He acknowledged that the current bandwidth per beam is limited to just 10Mb but reassured that future constellations will offer significantly enhanced capabilities.

The announcement follows the recent Falcon 9 rocket launch of 20 Starlink satellites from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Starlink highlighted that the Direct to Cell system is compatible with existing LTE phones as long as the sky is visible.

It explained: “No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data.”

Initially, the satellites will be launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets before transitioning to the Starship. Once in orbit, they will use laser backhaul to integrate with the broader Starlink network, offering global connectivity.

Starlink also revealed its rollout schedule, stating that text services would begin in 2024, while voice, data, and Internet of Things (IoT) features are set to launch in 2025.

By Aghakazim Guliyev