SpaceX Unveils Fresh Website for Starlink’s Cellular Service
SpaceX has unveiled its new website, “Starlink Direct to Cell,” dedicated to promoting its upcoming Starlink service for mobile phones, emphasizing “Seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones across the globe.” This service leverages the ever-expanding Starlink satellite network in Earth’s orbit to deliver cellular connectivity directly to unmodified smartphones.
Originally slated for launch this year in partnership with T-Mobile, SpaceX has now set its sights on a 2024 launch for satellite-based text messaging, with voice and text functionality planned for 2025. The same system will extend support to IoT devices by 2025. This initiative places SpaceX in competition with Apple’s satellite-based Emergency SOS feature for iPhones and AST Space Mobile, both aiming to provide cellular satellite services to unmodified smartphones in the near future.
The beauty of “Direct to Cell” lies in its simplicity; it requires no changes to existing LTE phones, hardware, firmware, or special applications. It delivers text, voice, and data seamlessly to devices as long as they have a clear view of the sky.
However, SpaceX must secure approval from the Federal Communications Commission before formally launching the service. It faces opposition from other companies, including Dish Network and Apple partner Globalstar, in its quest to develop this cellular-satellite service.
In the interim, SpaceX intends to equip its satellites with an “advanced eNodeB modem,” essentially transforming Starlink satellites into space-based cellphone towers, enabling network integration akin to a traditional roaming partner. SpaceX also aims to forge partnerships with other cellular providers, welcoming inquiries from companies looking to expand their mobile networks. This exciting development coincides with a complete redesign of the official Starlink.com domain.
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