- Starlink is reportedly intensifying its efforts to offer direct-to-cell connectivity, which “will allow mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.”
- A few days ago, SpaceX, Starlink's parent company, launched 20 Starlink satellites into orbit, with 13 of these satellites having direct-to-cell capability.
- This followed an earlier launch in early June, where 20 more satellites were sent into orbit, most of which also have direct-to-cell connectivity.
Additionally, in January 2024, Starlink launched 21 satellites, including the first six equipped with “Direct to Cell” capabilities to establish a direct connection with unmodified smartphones.
Also, Elon Musk clarified that while the technology supports only 7 MB per beam, with huge beams, it is beneficial for locations lacking cellular connectivity but not significantly competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks.
Direct-to-cell satellite technology allows satellites to connect to mobile devices, eliminating the need for cell towers and base stations that traditional cellular networks rely on. This innovation is designed to offer connectivity to areas with poor or no cellular coverage, reaching places that traditional networks can't access.
Moreover, experts believe that direct-to-cell technology will outpace broadband satellite technology. According to Starlink, the feature enables ubiquitous access to texting, calling, browsing, and connecting IoT devices using common LTE standards. It works with existing LTE phones without requiring changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps.
Starlink highlights that its satellites with direct-to-cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard, similar to a cellphone tower in space, and the network integration is akin to a standard roaming partner.
In the same year that Starlink is intensifying its direct-to-cell efforts, it is also expanding in Africa. Several African countries, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Ghana, have approved Starlink after initially banning its services, issuing strict sanctions, and even arresting a politician's son.
Internet penetration in Africa lags behind the global average. According to Statista, as of April 2024, regions like Western, Eastern, and Middle Africa have lower Internet penetration rates compared to other parts of the world.
Starlink aims to address this issue by providing high-speed Internet connectivity, even to the most remote areas.
