Starlink will connect smartphones to satellites: beta test starts this week

24 January 15:21

Elon Musk’s space company SpaceX is testing a major upgrade to Starlink: Direct-to-Cell satellites that connect mobile phones to cellular communications anywhere in the world. Elon Musk announced this on the X social network, Komersant ukrainskyi reports

“In 3 days, we will start beta testing the direct Starlink Internet connection from satellite to mobile phone,” Elon Musk wrote.

Musk reposted a post by investor Mario Navfal, who reported that SpaceX is testing a major upgrade to Starlink: Direct-to-Cell satellites that connect mobile phones to cellular communications anywhere in the world.

“These satellites act as ‘cell towers in space’ that will allow you to send text messages, make calls, or browse the web without needing a signal from ground-based towers. No need for a new phone or equipment,” Navfal wrote.

Importantly, users will not need a new phone or additional equipment. Beta testing starts on January 27 and is aimed at eliminating dead spots around the world.

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The list of supported devices and beta test conditions will be published later.

Kyivstar has signed an agreement with Starlink, a division of SpaceX, to launch Direct to Cell satellite communications in Ukraine.

Kyivstar is expected to launch Starlink Direct to Cell services with SMS and OTT messaging in the fourth quarter of 2025. The next stage will be voice and data services.

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How Starlink Direct to Cell works

Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability carry an advanced eNodeB modem that acts like a cell tower in space, providing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner. Thus, direct-to-cell provides connectivity even in the most remote regions.

Direct-to-cell works with existing LTE phones wherever the sky is visible. No changes to the hardware, firmware or special applications are required to use the service and ensure unimpeded access to text, voice and data.

The new service should be available anywhere in the world. But, according to experts, we should not expect that this Starlink technology will displace traditional cellular communication. According to Elon Musk, the issue is limited bandwidth. At least in the near future. It is worth recalling that Direct to Cell does not work indoors, meaning that the user must be “where you can see the sky”.

Starlink and Direct to Cell operate in conjunction with traditional cellular operators. In the United States, Musk’s company has reached an agreement with T-Mobile, and in Canada – with Rogers. There are partners in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, and other countries. Now he has a partner in Ukraine, Kyivstar.

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Остафійчук Ярослав
Editor