SpaceX, the Elon Musk’s satellite company, has launched six Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability targeted at repositioning mobile communication globally.
Announcing the launch via X handle, Wednesday, SpaceX said the six Starlink satellites will boost global connectivity and eliminate dead zones.
The firm said the service would start with texting, while voice, data and IoT services are expected to come on board next year.
Starlink said people will not need to change their phones when the service is launched as it will work with current 4G-enabled devices.
Giving more insight, Musk said the development would allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.
He, however, noted that the satellite service would not compete with terrestrial mobile networks.
“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.
With the new satellites, Starlink is promising the world access to communication services anywhere in the world with this new proposition.
“Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters,” the company said in a post on its website.
“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,” the company added.
Invariably and as the name suggests, direct-to-phone removes the need for ground stations to facilitate connectivity, though this is currently more limited than standard non-terrestrial network coverage.
Starlink, which also offers alternative satellite services, is one of several players targeting the direct-to-device market including Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile.
Starlink currently operates in Nigeria and some African countries as one of the leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Though appears very costly, it has, however, not stopped to gain traction. (Guardian)
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