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SpaceX is using its Starlink satellites for more than just internet service.
Other satellite-based phone services require specialized hardware.
We first heard about Starlink Direct to Cell when it wasannounced by Elon Muskin 2022.
T-Mobilewill use Starlinkto reduce dead zones in its U.S. terrestrial coverage, for example.
SpaceX is also partnering with carriers in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
But we’re several years away from lightning-fast Direct to Cell service.
Connectivity will be limited to “2 to 4 Mbps,” according to Musk.
And these speeds aren’t per-user.
Every person in a specified “cell zone” must share the 2 to 4 megabits of bandwidth.
Because of its slow speeds, Direct to Cell will be limited to text services in 2024.
Improvements in the technology should deliver voice, data, and IOT services a year later.
Of course, satellite-based phone service isn’t supposed to replace the average person’s carrier.
Drastic change will take a long time.
Note that some new smartphones, including theiPhone 14 and iPhone 15, contain satellite modems for emergency service.
This is also the case for some new smartwatches.
Starlink Direct to Cell is special because it doesn’t require any special hardware or accessories.
Elon Musk says that Tesla vehicles will gain Direct to Cell service at some point.
