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Today: February 19, 2025
Today: February 19, 2025

How Starlink satellite is transforming standard smartphones

How Starlink satellite is transforming standard smartphonesPhoto by Getty Images
January 22, 2025
Sirisha Dinavahi - LA Post

SpaceX's Starlink satellite network is launching a service enabling standard smartphones to make calls and send texts from anywhere on Earth, expanding global telecommunications access without requiring specialized equipment.

The company's new Direct-to-Cell service allows iPhone and Android users to connect to Starlink satellites using their existing phones, provided they are LTE-compatible devices.

SpaceX outlined the service's capabilities in recent regulatory filings with the Federal Communications Commission. The company reports successful testing with mobile devices from leading manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, across urban and rural areas, outdoors and indoors, even under tree cover or clear skies.

The service leverages Starlink's existing satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. Unlike traditional satellite phones that require dedicated hardware, Direct-to-Cell works with standard smartphone technology, potentially making global connectivity more accessible to everyday users.

How Starlink satellite is transforming standard smartphones

Initial service offerings will focus on voice calls and text messaging in areas without traditional cellular coverage. Users can send customized messages through their regular messaging applications rather than being restricted to preset options common in other satellite communication systems.

Photo by Getty Images

The technology could particularly benefit remote emergency response situations. In areas beyond cellular networks, the ability to make voice calls and send detailed messages could provide crucial communication channels during emergencies.

Rural communities stand to gain significant advantages from the service. Direct-to-Cell could help bridge connectivity gaps in areas where traditional mobile infrastructure remains limited or absent, offering a new solution for regions historically underserved by telecommunications providers.

SpaceX plans to expand the system's capabilities over time. According to the company's regulatory documentation, future developments may include support for the Internet of Things(IoT), better voice communication, and even web browsing through the satellite network.

The service represents part of a broader initiative to extend reliable communication access globally. While SpaceX has demonstrated the technology's functionality, specific details about commercial availability and pricing structure remain pending.

Implementation will require collaboration with cellular carriers to integrate the service into existing networks. SpaceX continues technical testing and partnership development as it works toward full deployment.

The Direct-to-Cell service marks a significant step in satellite-based communications, promising to eliminate coverage gaps that have long challenged mobile users in remote locations. As testing progresses, the company continues to refine the system's capabilities while working toward widespread availability.

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