Starlink is rolling out their Direct To Cell service which uses their satellites to provide users with cellular services starting next year.
They mentioned that that these satellites have an advanced modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space.
To make this happen, Starlink will launch a whole new series of microsats (micro satellites) with the necessary modem installed over the next few years, according to Yahoo Finance.
As more satellites are launched, they will then add voice and data features.
According to their website, users can use the service for text messaging in 2024 before voice and data and Internet of Things (IoT) rolls out in 2025.
Starlink said in their website that no hardware, firmware, or special apps are required to use the service and the connection will be via LTE.
Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data.
Starlink
So far, they have partnered with a few telcos globally such as T-Mobile (US), Rogers (Canada), KDDI (Japan), One NZ (New Zealand) and Salt (Switzerland).
Their website states that cellular providers using Direct to Cell have access to reciprocal global access in all partner nations.
It’s also reported that the service will only aim to cover land areas, lakes and coastal waters – but just in case you feel the need to have an internet connection in the middle of the ocean, they also have maritime internet services.
