Starlink has revealed that it will launch Direct-to-Cell, a satellite-based cellular service, in 2024. During the first year of operation, the service will support only text messages (SMS). In 2025, people will be able to access voice and data on the network, and starting from 2025, the service will work with IoT devices as well. The company says, “Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters.”
At this point, you might be wondering how this service would work and if you need special hardware to access it. Well, Starlink Direct-to-Cell will work with all devices that have LTE (4G) connectivity. The company says that neither any changes to hardware or software nor any special apps are required to access the network. According to Starlink, it will offer “Seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones across the globe.”
Starlink Direct-to-Cell will bring satellite connectivity to all LTE phones
“Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.” That means the service will use existing LTE network infrastructure to operate. As such, the company has partnered with T-Mobile in the USA, Rogers in Canada, KDDI in Japan, Optus in Australia, One NZ in New Zealand, and Salt in Switzerland to offer satellite-based cellular service in those regions.
Starlink says, “Direct to Cell enables connectivity in remote regions, providing peace of mind when customers need it most.” Since this service works with all devices that feature LTE connectivity, it will be compatible with almost all smartphones from Samsung that were launched in the last few years. However, we still need more details to completely understand how this service would work, and more importantly, we need to know if it costs extra money.
Author’s Note: Apple offers satellite connectivity on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series smartphones for accessing emergency services. Samsung is also expected to introduce satellite connectivity on its smartphones with the launch of the Galaxy S24 series smartphones. However, these phones allow you to connect to satellites only for emergency purposes.
Starlink, on the other hand, intends to offer satellite connectivity for texting, calling, and even accessing the internet. Plus, it does not require special hardware or software, making it accessible from all smartphones. So, the Direct-to-Cell could turn out to be much more useful. We just hope that it doesn’t cost a bomb to access this service.
