Tag: Direct to Cell

Previously, Starlink was granted permission to test its satellite network service within 10 days of launch using the 1910-1915MHz and 1990-1995MHz frequency bands. Following recent experimental confirmation that the satellite network service could allow mobile phones to connect directly to the internet via satellite in areas without mobile network signal, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently approved the official operation of the direct satellite internet service offered by Starlink and T-Mobile, but only for areas without telecommunications network signal. In this approval, the FCC allows Starlink and T-Mobile to use up to 7500 second-generation Starlink communication satellites to transmit network signals to the ground. The reason for limiting service to areas without telecommunications network signal is primarily to avoid interference with other network services. Currently, the FCC has not yet decided whether to allow Starlink to increase the power of its satellite network signal transmission to provide sufficient network resources to support instant messaging and video calls; currently, it can only handle SMS messaging. Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), stated that the FCC is currently assisting more telecommunications operators in establishing partnerships with satellite service providers to eliminate mobile internet blind spots and promote positive competition in the future space economy. In a previous statement, Starlink indicated that its "Direct to Cell" service, enabling direct satellite connections from mobile phones, will operate from 2024 and is expected to provide SMS, voice, and internet services, making it available to all LTE-enabled phones.

SpaceX recently announced that it successfully enabled two users on the ground to conduct a video call via their Starlink satellite network service, connecting directly to the satellite signal from their mobile phones. This technology, called "Direct to Cell," allows users to connect directly to the internet via satellite without needing any additional hardware "interchange." However, while the video call was declared successful, the actual video quality was not very good, indicating that Starlink's current satellite network bandwidth is insufficient for video calls. Therefore, if users are to be able to connect directly to the internet via their mobile phones, continued expansion of network bandwidth will be necessary. Previously announced, Starlink's partnership with T-Mobile will initially focus on SMS transmission, with internet access via satellite expected to be officially available to users in 2025. In addition to Starlink and T-Mobile's efforts to integrate existing mobile network services via satellite, AT&T has also partnered with satellite network provider AST SpaceMobile to offer a similar service where phones can directly connect to satellite signals. Qualcomm has also announced that it will use its processors to drive a more convenient satellite connectivity experience. First video call on @X completed through @Starlink: Direct to Cell satellites from unmodified mobile phones! We're excited to go live with @TMobile...

Starlink, SpaceX's satellite connectivity service, announced the launch of its previously approved satellite communication service, operating under the name "Direct to Cell," which will be available starting in 2024. It is expected to offer SMS, voice calls, and internet access, making it compatible with all LTE-enabled phones. However, in 2024, the service will only offer SMS functionality initially, with voice, internet access, and IoT connectivity features expected to be added gradually in 2025. This service is based on a partnership agreement announced last August with T-Mobile, whereby T-Mobile will provide some 5G network spectrum for Starlink's second-generation low-Earth orbit satellite connections. Starlink will also allow LTE-enabled phones using T-Mobile services to directly access satellite signals, emphasizing that its service already covers almost the entire United States. Leveraging the advantages of satellite connectivity, Starlink states that this service will not be limited by geography or the cost of traditional base station deployments. As long as a satellite signal is received, SMS can be sent, and mobile calls, internet access, and broader IoT connectivity needs are expected to be added. Because different specifications will be adopted to meet the needs of mobile internet connectivity, Starlink will continue to launch more new micro-satellites for networking in the coming years to enhance mobile connectivity. Satellites originally designed for general internet access will continue to be used. Following Apple's inclusion of satellite emergency call functionality in the iPhone 14 series, many other phones on the market have also started adding similar features, intensifying market competition. Market analysts believe that the demand for satellite-based internet connectivity will become even more significant in the future and is expected to be incorporated into the upcoming 6G mobile network specifications, becoming a widely adopted technology.