Here’s how SpaceX will connect Starlink satellites to smartphones
SpaceX has launched the first batch of direct-to-cell Starlink satellites, designed to connect directly to smartphones, after securing a license to begin testing the capability in the United States through a partnership with T-Mobile.
No "dead" zones for smartphones in SpaceX projects thanks to the Starlink satellite connectivity service.
On January 3, Elon Musk's aerospace company launched a Falcon 9 rocket with the first set of Starlink satellites capable of transmitting telephone signals from space directly to smartphones. Just last month SpaceX won approval from US regulators to test satellites in partnership with T-Mobile.
The US wireless carrier will use Elon Musk's Starlink satellites to provide mobile users with network access in parts of the US, the two companies announced in August 2022 .
Additionally, SpaceX is also collaborating with mobile operators in Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand and Switzerland.
Direct-to-cell service will initially begin with text messaging, followed by voice and data capabilities over the next few years. So will SpaceX challenge mobile operators with Starlink to connect cellphones?
Not really according to the SpaceX CEO. Indeed, Elon Mus said that the service “will enable cell phone connectivity anywhere on Earth,” but added some realistic caveats: “While this is a great solution for places without cellular connectivity, it is not significantly competitive with existing terrestrial cell phones.” ,” TechCrunch recalls.
All the details.
SPACEX LAUNCHES THE FIRST STARLINK SATELLITES
Six of the 21 Starlink satellites launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Base, California, have Direct To Cell capabilities and could provide connectivity for most 4G LTE devices when within range, the company says. Musk.
THE ROADMAP
In November, the aerospace company told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it planned to deploy 840 direct-to-cell satellites over the next six months.
SpaceX said the tests will involve 840 satellites beaming 4G connectivity to about 2,000 unmodified smartphones. The satellites will act as “cell phone towers in space,” according to the Starlink website.
The website estimates that texting will be available this year, with voice and data services starting in 2025 and connection for Internet of Things devices also in 2025. However, Elon Musk's company will have to get regulatory approval before starting the commercial service.
SPACEX COLLABORATIONS IN THE WORLD WITH TLC OPERATORS
Finally, SpaceX also counts on wireless suppliers all over the world: as listed in a post on Salt Mobile to launch direct-to-cell technology.
SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY FOR SMARTPHONES
Satellite connectivity has been a growing trend for smartphones in recent years, recalls The Verge, although this is a great solution for places without cellular connectivity, it is not significantly competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks,” according to Musk.
Last year , Apple added an emergency SOS feature to its phones that allows iPhone 14 and later devices to send limited messages and location information via satellite in emergency situations. Meanwhile, cellular satellite company AST SpaceMobile, backed by AT&T and Vodafone, announced it made the first satellite call over 5G from an unmodified smartphone in September.
Without forgetting that Amazon's Kuiper – rival of SpaceX's Starlink constellation – announced its partnership with Verizon in 2021.
This is a machine translation from Italian language of a post published on Start Magazine at the URL https://www.startmag.it/innovazione/spacex-direct-to-cell-starlink-smartphone/ on Sun, 07 Jan 2024 06:20:11 +0000.