On October 11, SpaceX Starlink’s official website launched a new Starlink direct-to-cell phone service (DirecttoCell).According to SpaceX official website information, it is suitable for existing LTE mobile phones. No changes to hardware, firmware or special applications are required to send text, voice and data over Starlink.
It is expected to realize text messaging in 2024, voice calls in 2025, Internet access (Data) in 2025, and IOT (Internet of Things) in stages in the same year.
It is reported that SpaceX’s Starlink satellites launched directly to mobile phones will initially be launched on Falcon 9, followed by Starship. In orbit, the satellite will immediately access the constellation through inter-satellite laser links to provide global coverage without dead spots.
Initial supported operators include: T-MOBILE (United States), OPTUS (Australia), ROGERS (Canada), ONENZ (New Zealand), KDDI (Japan), SALT (Switzerland).
Once Starlink truly realizes the commercialization of direct connection of mobile phones to satellite Internet, it will undoubtedly be an epoch-making milestone and a major breakthrough leading the new revolution of mobile phones.