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SpaceX launches Starlink's new direct-to-cell (DTC) technology, seamless global coverage

Elon Musk says that Starlink's new system enables internet connectivity for your mobile phone with 'no extra equipment or special app' required.

SpaceX launches Starlink's new direct-to-cell (DTC) technology, seamless global coverage
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Gaming Editor
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TL;DR: SpaceX's Starlink has launched direct-to-cell satellite communications, allowing smartphones to connect directly to satellites without traditional cell towers. The technology promises to eliminate dead zones and enhance connectivity for mobile and IoT devices globally.

SpaceX's exciting Starlink team has just enabled its direct-to-cell satellite communications, with a direct connection from Starlink satellites to your smartphone, bypassing traditional cell towers in areas with no coverage.

Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk said that Starlink's new satellite "enables internet connectivity for your mobile phone with no extras equipment or special app. It just works". The new direct-to-cell Starlink connectivity isn't available in every country, but it is available through particular carriers in the following countries:

  • T-Mobile (U.S.)
  • Rogers (Canada)
  • One NZ (New Zealand)
  • KDDI (Japan)
  • Optus (Australia)
  • Salt (Switzerland)
  • Entel (Chile)
  • Entel (Peru)

It's an incredible move by Starlink, slowing webbing out their satellite communications technology with rocket launch after rocket launch, new satellite after new satellite. Personally I'm using Starlink here in South Australia, and enjoying 250-350Mbps where I can only get 50-60Mbps through fiber in my area.

Starlink's new direct-to-cell satellite communication is great to see, with expansion set for 2025 we'll see SpaceX continue to launch more rocket and even more satellites, with speeds of 2Gbps+ promised from next-gen Starlink satellites being deployed in the coming months, more on that below.

SpaceX launches Starlink's new direct-to-cell (DTC) technology, seamless global coverage 203
  • UBIQUITOUS COVERAGE: Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters. Direct to Cell will also connect IoT devices with common LTE standards.
  • STAY CONNECTED: 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.
  • A CELLPHONE TOWER IN SPACE: Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.
  • ELIMINATE DEAD ZONES: Direct to Cell enables connectivity in remote regions, providing peace of mind when customers need it most.
  • ENGINEERED BY SPACEX: SpaceX is leveraging its experience in manufacturing and launching the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink satellites with the Direct to Cell capability at scale. Direct to Cell satellites will initially be launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and then Starship. On orbit the satellites will immediately connect over laser backhaul to the Starlink constellation to provide global connectivity.
SpaceX launches Starlink's new direct-to-cell (DTC) technology, seamless global coverage 202

Empowering Mobile and IoT Connectivity:

In addition to expanding mobile coverage, Direct to Cell will enable ubiquitous Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity outside of terrestrial coverage, connecting millions of devices across critical global industries.

  • No specialized or additional hardware required
  • Compatible with off-the-shelf CAT-1, CAT-1 Bis, and CAT-4 modems*
  • Plans available via our global partners in approved countries starting in 2025
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NEWS SOURCE:starlink.com

Gaming Editor

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Anthony joined the TweakTown team in 2010 and has since reviewed 100s of graphics cards. Anthony is a long time PC enthusiast with a passion of hate for games built around consoles. FPS gaming since the pre-Quake days, where you were insulted if you used a mouse to aim, he has been addicted to gaming and hardware ever since. Working in IT retail for 10 years gave him great experience with custom-built PCs. His addiction to GPU tech is unwavering and has recently taken a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI) hardware.

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