SpaceX’s Starlink plans to offer a Direct to Cell satellite phone service that will begin next year. The service will work with existing phones and provide access to text, voice, and data. According to Starlink, text messaging will be available in 2024, with voice and data capabilities coming in 2025. This service aims to provide ubiquitous access to communication and connectivity, even in remote areas and for IoT devices.
Initially, the plan was to cover the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and US territorial waters, with plans to expand internationally in collaboration with global carriers, including T-Mobile US, Rogers, Optus, One NZ, Salt, and KDDI.
The Direct to Cell service is designed to work with existing LTE phones, with no need for hardware, firmware, or special apps changes. The service operates like a “cellphone tower in space” and allows customers to roam onto the Direct to Cell service when they are out of range of their regular cell tower provider.
Basically, the capability can be easily explained as having a eNobeB onboard that operate like a cellular tower in space. allowing network integration similar to a roaming partner.
So long there is line of sight in an open space, Direct to Cell enables connectivity in remote regions, providing peace of mind when customers need it most.
Direct to Cell satellites will initially be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and then Starship. On orbit the satellites will immediately connect over laser backhaul to the Starlink constellation to provide global connectivity.
Australia’s Optus and SpaceX are poised to employ cutting-edge technology in a bid to attain unprecedented 100% coverage. Leveraging the potent synergy of 4G and 5G mobile networks and SpaceX’s groundbreaking satellite technology, you’ll soon enjoy seamless connectivity across every corner of Australia, as long as you have a clear line of sight to the skies.
Specifics remain scant, particularly regarding the LTE bands chosen for satellite-assisted “roaming” services for partner networks. The inaugural consortium of six operators set to pioneer this technology includes T-Mobile (USA), Rogers (Canada), KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), and SALT (Switzerland).
Details on pricing have yet to be disclosed, and we eagerly await further information. The advent of satellite phone services has garnered considerable attention, partly spurred by Apple’s introduction of satellite support in its iPhone 14, along with similar capabilities introduced by other companies like Qualcomm and Vodafone.