Land or water: connectivity enabled everywhere on earth

• Elon Musk’s Starlink unveils ‘Direct-to-Cell’ connectivity; the new technology allows connectivity even where terrestrial networking cannot reach

Elon Musk’s Starlink has achieved a significant milestone in 2024 with the introduction of ‘Direct-to-Cell’ satellite connectivity, revolutionising the way users access satellite broadband on their smartphones. SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company, marked this development with the launch of an initial set of Starlink internet satellites aboard the Falcon 9 spacecraft on January 2nd at 10:44 p.m. EST.

The primary focus of these satellites is to provide direct-to-cell capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly access satellite broadband services directly on their smartphones. This innovation is poised to overcome challenges associated with geographical features that traditionally impede internet service provision.

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While this is a great leap for areas where traditional connectivity is not available, there is a long way to go before this could be implemented on a scale that matches the service availability of existing terrestrial networks.

A total of 21 Starlink satellites were launched into low-Earth orbit during the mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Notably, the deployment included the first six Starlink satellites equipped with Direct-to-Cell capabilities.

The official Starlink website explains, “This launch will include the first six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities that will enable mobile network operators around the world to provide seamless global access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters.”

In practical terms, users leveraging the Starlink service on their smartphones will experience uninterrupted mobile phone connectivity, regardless of their location. This development is particularly crucial for regions with limited or no reliable internet connectivity.

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Furthermore, the system’s rapid deployability adds to its utility, especially during emergencies when terrestrial infrastructure may be unavailable due to various reasons, including disasters. It serves as a vital resource, offering essential connectivity in such critical situations.

As part of the launch, the initial stage of the Falcon 9 successfully returned to Earth a mere 8.5 minutes after takeoff, landing on the ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ droneship in the Pacific Ocean. Starlink’s overarching goal is to establish a satellite internet network covering the entire Earth. Currently, with over 5100 active satellites launched, this number continues to grow with each subsequent launch.