SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is launching the first-ever Direct-to-Cell satellite as part of the Starlink project. Let’s delve into how it works and whether it has a future.
Today, connecting to satellite communication still requires specially designed bulky equipment, similar to old network telephone stations like Iridium. If you only need emergency text messages, you can also make do with Apple’s preset communication type, but it comes with certain complexities. It involves staying within a connection window, lifting the phone up, and using a program to align with the satellite signal. In theory, there is a possibility to use satellite communication, but in practice, it remains problematic for now.
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Launch of a constellation of Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellites
SpaceX has just achieved another technological breakthrough, ushering in a new chapter in communications. For the first time, a batch of Starlink satellites has been sent into space, providing direct access to mobile networks. This is a real boon for anyone dreaming of unlimited coverage of high-speed internet on their phones.
The six @Starlink satellites on this mission with Direct to Cell capability will further global connectivity and help to eliminate dead zones → https://t.co/FgiJ7LOYdK pic.twitter.com/zFy7SrpsYs
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 3, 2024
SpaceX, known for its innovative approach to space exploration, has introduced another breakthrough to the world – the first batch of Starlink satellites that directly connect with mobile phones. This significant event has the potential to revolutionize the way we connect to the Internet, especially in areas where traditional methods fall short. The satellites were launched into orbit using the Falcon 9 rocket.
The 15 Starlink V2 Mini satellites participating in the mission will enhance the capabilities of SpaceX’s existing low Earth orbit group. This group provides high-speed broadband access through specially designed fixed and mobile satellite terminals.
Therefore, the Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite aims to facilitate the transmission of text and voice messages, providing internet and mobile network coverage wherever the sky is visible. It displays the entire terrain and its corresponding coverage.
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What is Starlink Direct-to-Cell?
Starlink Direct-to-Cell is a service that enables direct communication between satellites and mobile phones without the need for additional equipment, such as the Starlink antenna kit. As a result, users worldwide can now enjoy access to voice messages, video, and data in locations where it was previously impossible.
The primary goal of Direct-to-Cell is to provide users with high-speed connectivity in remote and rural areas, where other networks face challenges. It is anticipated that internet and cellular connections will be faster and more reliable as a result.
The first Starlink Internet Direct-to-Cell satellite was launched on January 3 and is set to commence operations in the next few days. The text messaging feature will be active in 2024, while voice messaging, data, and IoT services will be operational from 2025.
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How does it work?
It is known that Direct-to-Cell technology will work with LTE phones, acting as a satellite mobile phone tower in space. In other words, according to SpaceX, there will be no need to change the smartphone’s hardware, firmware, or install special programs to connect to satellite Internet on LTE phones. This implies that the service will be available in all locations with an active satellite signal, without requiring external connections or special equipment.
This is part of the Coverage Above and Beyond project, a joint initiative that SpaceX initiated with T-Mobile back in 2022. It took some time, but the program is finally bearing fruit. SpaceX explains on its website that these satellites function as cellular towers thanks to the built-in “eNodeB modem.” The ultimate goal here is to effectively eliminate dead zones, providing the opportunity for “mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.” It is important to note that the service is primarily intended for remote regions.
In other words, as indicated on the official Starlink website, satellites equipped with Direct-to-Cell capability have an enhanced eNodeB modem on board, acting as a mobile phone tower in space, enabling network integration similar to a standard roaming partner. Once in orbit, Direct-to-Cell satellites instantly connect with other satellites in the Starlink constellation through a laser system.
As you may have guessed, T-Mobile is SpaceX’s partner in this ambitious project. It will conduct a 180-day testing phase on 2000 test devices, primarily in the western part of the United States. The Starlink Direct-to-Cell signal will utilize the radio frequencies 1910-1915 MHz and 1990-1995 MHz, meaning that most T-Mobile phones used today will have the capability to receive it without any modifications.
Connectivity will also be available in remote regions where Starlink is deployed. Those utilizing Starlink Direct-to-Cell will have mobile communication services in all partner countries, such as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, and Chile. The mobile service provider utilizing the direct communication capability will have mutual global access in partner countries. Such agreements will enable the integration of the Starlink satellite system with the mobile network of the partner telecommunications company, similar to a standard roaming agreement. Starlink satellites will use the telecommunication partners’ spectrum to provide services in their respective countries.
As stated by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), the Starlink satellite towers cannot compete “at the same level with existing terrestrial mobile networks.” In other words, it will be good but not excellent.
This will allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.
Note, this only supports ~7Mb per beam and the beams are very big, so while this is a great solution for locations with no cellular connectivity, it is not meaningfully competitive with existing terrestrial… https://t.co/ymHpw8XBHl
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2024
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Testing stage
It is already known that T-Mobile will conduct tests of the service in radio astronomy centers in West Virginia and New Mexico to determine if it causes interference. Some astronomers may be concerned as SpaceX reports that the “first six satellites of the Starlink Direct-to-Cell constellation will be slightly brighter than the previous Starlink V2 Mini.” However, SpaceX assures that they are actively working to make future satellites slightly dimmer.
It all starts small. The ability to send text messages will be available as early as this year. Then, by 2025, users will be able to make calls, send data, and connect IoT (Internet of Things) devices, such as smartwatches, to the service. That’s if everything goes according to plan. Both companies had to overcome numerous obstacles along the way. Designing and building these satellites was incredibly challenging, and governmental regulators further slowed down the process.
Originally, SpaceX and T-Mobile planned to conduct beta testing for Starlink’s remote connection in 2023. Apparently, this did not happen, likely due to awaiting approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Finally, in December of last year, the FCC granted SpaceX permission to test its direct-to-cell satellites. They have 180 days to complete their trials, so we should see the start of testing soon, though the exact timing is unknown. It is also uncertain whether it will be open to the public.
What does that mean for the future?
The future of this initiative looks quite promising. Dr. Sarah Spangelo, Senior Director of Satellite Engineering at T-Mobile, states that “the company plans to rapidly scale the program for partners worldwide.” Currently, SpaceX is collaborating with telecommunications companies in Canada, Japan, Australia, and others to launch this service in these countries. Direct-to-cell connectivity will not be exclusive to the United States, but it seems that users there will be the first to access it.
SpaceX is not the only company promising satellite communication through regular mobile phones. Jeff Bezos’ Project Kuiper aims to be the largest competitor to Starlink. The first satellite prototypes are currently undergoing testing, and it is expected that serial versions will join them in orbit soon. American mobile operator AT&T is also already testing satellite voice communication and data transmission using unmodified phones, utilizing the first in a series of AST SpaceMobile satellites in low Earth orbit.
The success of the Starlink Direct-to-Cell project may be influenced by various factors, with one of the most significant being Elon Musk himself. He is a figure of both admiration and concern, as the eccentric billionaire has demonstrated the ability to be both successful and face setbacks simultaneously. Musk’s early-stage projects often appear promising, but over time, it seems he may lose interest and shift his focus to something else. The outcome will likely depend on the sustained commitment and dedication of Musk and his team to overcome challenges and ensure the project’s long-term success.
Regardless, SpaceX once again proves that it can push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Direct-to-Cell satellites represent not just a technological breakthrough but a promise of a better tomorrow, where each of us can connect with the rest of the world regardless of circumstances. It marks the beginning of a new era in satellite communication, and we eagerly await the further development of this exciting story.
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