SpaceX launches first Starlink satellites for direct-to-cell coverage

Date:
Thu, 04 Jan 2024 19:33:19 +0000

Description:
These satellites will function essentially like cell towers in space and
could spell the end of cellular dead spots.

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SpaceX recently launched into Earths orbit six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities. When they come online, these satellites will be able to provide cellular connectivity to every corner of the United States even to remote locations.

This comes as part of Coverage Above and Beyond , a collaborative initiative that the company entered with T-Mobile back in 2022. It took a little while, but the program is finally bearing fruit. SpaceX explains on its website
these satellites essentially function like cell phone towers thanks to an onboard eNodeB modem. The ultimate goal here is to effectively eliminate the existence of dead zones allowing for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth. Something to keep in mind is the service is primarily meant for
far-off locales.

As SpaceX CEO Elon Musk states on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), the Starlink space towers cant compete with existing terrestrial cellular networks on the same level. It'll be good, but not that good. Falcon 9 launches 21 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities https://t.co/FgiJ7LOYdK pic.twitter.com/IKBkTSB63C January 3, 2024 See more Testing phase

Things will start off small. The ability to send text messages will roll out later this year. Then in 2025, users will be able to make phone calls, send data, and connect IoT (internet of things) devices, such as smartwatches , to the service. Thats assuming everything goes according to plan. Both companies have had to deal with multiple obstacles along the way. Not only were these satellites incredibly difficult to design and build, but government
regulators also slowed down the process.

Originally, they had planned a beta test of Starlinks remote connectivity in 2023. Obviously, that never happened probably due to pending approval from
the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Fortunately, the FCC did give SpaceX the green light to test their direct-to-cell satellites this past December. They have 180 days to complete their trials so we should see
testing start soon although its unknown exactly when nor do we know if itll
be open to the public. Plans for expansion

The future is looking bright for the initiative. Dr. Sara Spangelo, Senior Director of Satellite Engineering at T-Mobile, states the company has plans
to rapidly [scale] up the program to partners around the world. SpaceX is currently working with telecommunication companies in Canada, Japan, Australia, and more to get the service up and running elsewhere. Direct-to-cell connectivity wont be exclusive to the U.S., but it does appear users there will receive it first.

SpaceX wont be alone in this field. Amazon is developing a satellite
broadband network called Project Kuiper to take on Starlink. Rockets carrying prototype Kuiper satellites are scheduled to take off within the first half
of 2024. The European government is also looking to establish a program . Right now, its shopping around for the right telecom corporation to take the lead.

If you're looking to improve your internet connection at home, check out TechRadar's roundup of the best broadband deals for January 2024 . You might also like Starlink review The Samsung Galaxy S24 seems almost certain to get satellite comms TechRadar's Year in Review: AI revolution, smartphone evolution, and visions of the future



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/internet/spacex-launches-first-starlink-sa tellites-for-direct-to-cell-coverage


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