Starlink, the satellite internet company founded by Elon Musk, has recently announced plans to launch its satellite cellular service, called Direct-to-Cell, in 2024. This groundbreaking service aims to provide texting, calling, and browsing capabilities in any location, including land, lakes, and coastal waters.
In order to make this ambitious project a reality, Starlink has joined forces with telecommunications giant T-Mobile. As part of the partnership, T-Mobile will provide 5G spectrum for use by Starlink’s second-generation satellites. This collaboration is expected to result in near complete coverage of the United States, eliminating the infamous dead zones that plague cell phone users.
The Direct-to-Cell service will initially be available on select mobile phones and Tesla vehicles, as Starlink plans to integrate it into their existing technologies. However, the ultimate goal is to expand the service to include all cell phones worldwide, effectively eradicating dead zones on a global scale.
Testing for Direct-to-Cell is estimated to commence in 2023, as Starlink prepares to launch a new series of microsats equipped with the necessary eNodeB modem to make the service compatible. This cutting-edge technology will allow seamless communication between the satellites and users’ devices, regardless of their location.
Starlink’s entrance into the satellite cell service market has not gone unnoticed by industry competitors. Tech giants Apple and Qualcomm have also expressed interest in offering similar services, creating a highly competitive landscape within the industry. With multiple players vying for dominance, consumers can expect an array of options and innovative features in the near future.
Overall, the emergence of satellite cell service has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate. With Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell set to launch in 2024, and partnerships with companies like T-Mobile in place, the future of global connectivity appears brighter than ever. Now, all eyes are on Starlink and its competitors as they strive to provide the best possible cellular experience, making dead zones a thing of the past.
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