While it already allows homes, planes and boats to be connected via satellite, Starlink has also developed a mobile service called Direct-to-cell which allows communication directly on a smartphone, in white areas. Starlink’s Direct-to-cell satellites operate as cell towers in space, to supplement carrier networks or to provide a backup network in the event of a natural disaster.
And this week marks the start of a new era since the American operator T-Mobile, partner of Starlink in the United States, has just opened registrations for its customers who wish to test this new Starlink service in beta (a beta which will begin in early 2025). Initially, Starlink’s mobile service will only support texting, but calls and mobile data will arrive later. Otherwise, as part of the beta test, T-Mobile also indicates that it will prioritize certain profiles, such as first aid.
4G from space
In any case, it is important to note that unlike other satellite communications services, Direct-to-cell does not require special equipment. Normally this service is compatible with 4G devices. Additionally, T-Mobile says users won’t need to point their smartphones at the sky to send or receive messages. “Incoming and outgoing messages are sent and received like any other message”indicates the operator.
To offer this service, Starlink had to develop and deploy an entirely new type of satellite. He also had to wait for the green light from the American authorities, which was obtained in November. Otherwise, it should also be remembered that Starlink has already temporarily deployed this mobile service to allow victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton to communicate.
Starlink already has partners in other countries
With this service, Starlink does not replace operators, but complements their networks by providing access to 4G in white areas. And if it works with T-Mobile in the United States, it already has other partnerships in other countries: Optus for Australia, Rogers for Canada, One NZ for New Zealand, KDDI for Japan, SALT for Switzerland, as well as Entel for Chile and Peru.
- Starlink has developed a new service that allows you to communicate directly with a smartphone, in white areas
- In the United States, its partner T-Mobile now allows its customers to register for a beta program which will allow them to use this new service.
- Direct-to-cell satellites act like cell towers in space
- And Starlink has already established other partnerships, with other operators, around the world
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