SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites into Earth orbit on December 8 using the Falcon 9 rocket. A special feature of this launch is that the 13 satellites have Direct To Cell technology built in. This is the first launch of six planned launches that aim to fully deploy the technology that will allow smartphones to receive direct satellite communications.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that this technology would make it possible to use the internet in remote areas using regular mobile phones. However, he noted that the bandwidth of the first generation of satellites would be limited – about 10 Mbps. Musk also noted that future configurations would be significantly more powerful.
Starlink will provide text-only services until the end of 2024, with voice calls and internet services starting as early as next year. Support for IoT (“Internet of Things”) devices is also planned. The price of the services has not been announced yet. However, you can take Starlink’s roaming broadband service, which costs $50 a month in the US with a 50GB limit.
An important advantage of Starlink is that there is no need for special phones or apps. Direct To Cell uses standard LTE/4G protocols, making the technology compatible with most modern devices. Starlink is working with mobile operators such as T-Mobile in the US and Rogers in Canada. The satellites operate in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of about 540 km, which will ensure uninterrupted communications.
SpaceX’s satellite communications program is already facing competition. For example, Lynk has launched its own satellites in 2023, while AST SpaceMobile has contracts with the US, European and Japanese governments. Despite this, the approval from U.S. regulators that SpaceX received last month puts SpaceX in a strong position to move forward in this promising field.
Provided by space.com
