SpaceX has launched 20 Starlink satellites, completing the first direct-to-cell (D2C) phone constellation, TweakTown reported. This satellite constellation enables unmodified cell phones to connect to the internet in remote areas, either where cell towers do not exist or bypassing traditional cell towers. D2C aims to eliminate dead zones, providing connectivity for mobile and IoT devices, especially in remote areas where cell service is limited or non-existent.
In a post on X, Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk said that the “first Starlink satellite direct to cell phone constellation is now complete. This will enable unmodified cell phones to have internet connectivity in remote areas. Bandwidth per beam is only ~10Mb, but future constellations will be much more capable.”
Although that bandwidth is limited, it is intended just for basic internet connections in remote areas, not video streaming. Starlink says that future upgrades for its satellite internet connectivity to a small dish antenna, either on the ground or on a roof, not D2C, will achieve download speeds of two Gbps or more.
SpaceX said its new Starlink D2C technology currently is available through a number of mobile network operators around the world: T-Mobile (U.S.), Rogers Communications (Canada), One NZ (New Zealand), KDDI (Japan), Optus (Australia), Salt (Switzerland) and Entel (Chile and Peru).
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