On Tuesday, Starlink satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket were launched, capable of beaming signals directly to smartphones from space
On Tuesday, SpaceX launched a rocket carrying the initial Starlink satellites capable of beaming signals directly to smartphones from space. Elon Musk’s space venture had previously partnered with wireless carriers in August 2022 to offer network access in “dead zones” through its Starlink satellites.
T-Mobile US, one of the carriers involved, verified that the satellites, transported by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, were in low-Earth orbit. The direct-to-cell service will initially focus on text messaging, with plans to expand to voice and data capabilities in the coming years, according to T-Mobile. While satellite service won’t be immediately accessible to T-Mobile customers, the company mentioned that field testing would commence “soon.”
Sara Spangelo, senior director of satellite engineering at SpaceX, outlines plans for a swift expansion of the project. “Launching these initial direct-to-cell satellites is a significant milestone to showcase our technology,” she expressed.
Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy, and products at T-Mobile, emphasized the service’s purpose in ensuring connectivity “even in the most remote locations.” He envisions the elimination of dead zones, making them “a thing of the past.”
Worldwide, other wireless providers like Japan’s KDDI, Australia’s Optus, New Zealand’s One NZ, and Canada’s Rogers will join forces with SpaceX to introduce direct-to-cell technology.
