Starlink launches satellite communication for smartphones: what will it be and when will it start

This was reported by The Verge, citing information from the official website of Starlink, which was launched earlier this week.

It is noted that in 2024 the new service will be limited to text messages, but in 2025 voice and data transmission functions will be available, as well as the ability to transfer files.

"Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special applications are required," the SpaceX website says.

It is noted that Starlink satellites with the Direct to Cell feature will provide full access to text messages, calls, and web browsing.

The company said that Starlink satellites with the Direct to Cell feature are equipped with an advanced eNodeB modem that acts as a mobile communication tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.

Elon Musk's company, together with its American partner T-Mobile, announced plans to launch this service last year. The new feature is likely to be relatively slow by Earthly standards, with speeds of two to four megabits per second, but its advantage will be in its breadth of coverage.

As a reminder, US Senator Elizabeth Warren of the Democratic Party is demanding an investigation into billionaire Elon Musk for blocking Starlink satellite internet in Ukraine. The inventor manipulated access to the network to prevent attacks on Russian warships off the coast of the temporarily occupied Crimea.

As you know, American billionaire Elon Musk actually disrupted Ukraine's secret operation to destroy Russia's Black Sea Fleet in 2022. He allegedly ordered the disconnection of Starlink communications near the temporarily occupied Crimea. Later, Musk himself explained that in this way he wanted to avoid "escalation of the conflict."

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

In October 2022, SpaceX refused to continue to finance the services of Starlink satellite Internet terminals for the Ukrainian army. Allegedly, the company no longer has the funds to pay for the terminals and their services. In September, SpaceX asked the U.S. Department of Defense to cover these costs.

In February 2023, SpaceX limited the use of Starlink for the Armed Forces. The company compared it to a "weapon" for controlling drones.

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