American billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink is intensifying its challenge against traditional fiber internet service providers (ISPs). The company has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to enable mobile phone users to connect directly to its satellite network. According to the company’s website, Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem. The “Modem acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.” This innovation promises to redefine the landscape of internet connectivity by bridging the gap between satellite and mobile networks. This will in turn potentially transform how users access high-speed internet across the globe.
Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing. The high speed internet allows subscribers to use the internet anywhere on earth. Moreover, the company has noted that Access to texting will be made available before the lapse of this year. Voice, Data and Internet of Things will be made available in 2025.
Direct to Cell enables connectivity in remote regions of the world. It works with existing LTE and 4G enabled Smartphone wherever you can see the sky. Once activated, the service will connect with ordinary Phones without need for extra equipment. “No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data.”
The Long-Term Evolution, LTE is a fourth-generation wireless standard that provides increased network capacity. Additionally, it fastens internet speed for mobile phones and other cellular devices compared with third-generation 3G technology.
The launch tests were carried out starting January 2, with the firm reporting that the early pilots were completed without issue and that six days after the launch, technicians were able to send and receive the first text messages to and from unmodified cell phones on the ground using the US-based T-Mobile network spectrum.