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“Seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones across the globe”
SpaceX has launched a new website dedicated to promoting its upcoming Starlink service for mobile phones. Their tagline is “Seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones across the globe” [1]. The system will tap the growing Starlink satellite network in Earth’s orbit to beam cellular connectivity to unmodified smartphones. Future Starlink satellites will be outfitted with an “advanced eNodeB modem.” Thanks to this invention, a Starlink satellite will basically become a “cellphone tower in space,” allowing for network integration like a typical roaming partner [2].
According to the new website, SpaceX plans to debut the service that will power text messaging via satellites in 2024, with plans to expand to voice and text support in 2025. Additionally, the service will offer cellular connectivity to IoT devices in 2025. It will work with existing LTE phones without the need for any hardware, firmware changes, or special apps. It promises seamless access to text, voice, and data [3].
Approval from the Federal Communications Commission
However, in order to do that SpaceX must first obtain approval from the Federal Communications Commission before its services will become public. The company has been pleading with the US government to grant their request to utilize the required radio channels as soon as possible.
Partnership with T-Mobile?
On the other hand, it is important to notice that a year ago, SpaceX was originally hoping to launch a service with T-Mobile [4], but the companies have been silent about the deal since its announcement.
SpaceTech is growing
In recent years, satellite connection for smartphones has become more and more popular. In an emergency, iPhone 14 models and above may transmit a limited number of messages and position data via satellite thanks to a function Apple implemented to its phones last year. The first satellite call over 5G was made last month from a smartphone that wasn’t altered, according to AT&T-backed AST SpaceMobile [5].
In my opinion, in 2019 Elon Musk and his SpaceX started a SpaceTech revolution in the private sector and showed companies that they were able to enter this industry. What is more interesting after 4 years he is still leading the innovation in the industry.
- https://www.starlink.com/
- https://www.tesmanian.com/blogs/tesmanian-blog/direct-to-cell
- https://www.pcmag.com/news/spacex-debuts-new-website-for-cellular-starlink-service
- https://www.pcmag.com/news/t-mobile-to-expand-coverage-with-the-help-of-spacexs-starlink-satellites
- https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/12/23914081/spacex-starlink-direct-to-cell-satellite-internet-lte-connectivity
How do you think, what can be dangerous aboit this type of communication?
What do you think on point that one day Ilon Mask may lose his leading?
Very well written.