Starlink Direct to Cell

2024: Product Announcement

On May 21, 2024, SpaceXIlon Musk introduced a video call service based on Starlink satellites. Such calls can be made using non-modified smartphones.

The system operates on the basis of spacecraft with support for cellular communication Starlink Direct to Cell. As of 2024, the operator is involved in the deployment of the service. T-Mobile The technology will be in demand primarily in areas where there is no coverage of the traditional cellular network. In such zones, smartphone owners will be able to forward messages and make calls via Starlink satellites.

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The first video call in X, made via Starlink Direct to Cell satellites using unmodified smartphones. We're excited to get started with T-Mobile, "SpaceX said in a social media post on H.R.

During a demonstration of the capabilities of the system, Elon Musk's company showed how two users next to each other communicate in video telephony mode on site X. At the same time, the smartphone of one of them was connected to the Internet through a traditional terrestrial mobile channel, while the second transmitted data through Starlink Direct to Cell spacecraft. At the same time, the subscriber connected to the satellite channel used a factory smartphone running Android, which did not undergo any changes.

However, the launch of the Starlink Direct to Cell communication service is opposed by Omnispace, which is developing a hybrid satellite communication network. According to her, SpaceX spacecraft that support communication with smartphones interfere with other satellites. Omnispace is calling on the US Federal Communications Commission to oblige SpaceX to stop deploying the system. Elon Musk's company denies these allegations.^[1]

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