Elon Musk’s SpaceX has launched a new website to promote its upcoming Starlink service for mobile phones. The “Starlink Direct to Cell” service will offer cellular connectivity to existing LTE phones via satellite.
The new page promotes the service with a kicker line “seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones across the globe.” It will use SpaceX’s satellites in orbit to provide internet and cellular connectivity to regular smartphones.
According to PCMag, the company plans to offer satellite-based text messaging in 2024, with voice and text services to follow in 2025. The Direct to Cell service will also connect IoT devices with common LTE standards in 2025.
“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,” reads the website.
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Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability use an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.
This move by SpaceX aims to compete with other satellite-based services like Apple’s Emergency SOS feature for iPhones and AST Space Mobile. The SpaceX’s service won’t require any special modifications to existing phones and will work wherever you have a clear view of the sky.
Before SpaceX can launch this service, they need approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). They’ve been trying to get the necessary permissions but have faced opposition from other companies like Dish Network and Apple partner Globalstar.
SpaceX’s website also indicates they are open to partnering with other cellular providers to expand their mobile networks.
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