Starlink's Direct to Cell service was unveiled, offering mobile services for LTE phones worldwide, with the SMS initially set for a 2024 rollout.
According to the official website (https://direct.starlink.com), the Starlink Direct to Cell service will offer "ubiquitous coverage" to various mobile services, enabling access to texting, calling, and internet browsing "wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters." This is very helpful, especially to those in remote areas seeking cell coverage for communication purposes.
Starlink's Direct to Cell service will initially provide texting service, which is slated for launch in 2024. By 2025, the company plans to offer voice and data services and eventually include cellular connectivity IoT devices.
To provide global signal coverage, the company will utilize its Starlink Satellite Network, eliminating dead spots in remote regions.
Keep in mind that the connection will be established over LTE, which is fast enough for web browsing, according to SpaceX, Elon Musk's aerospace company. The ability to send basic texts will also prove to be beneficial during emergencies. While Starlink's website does not specify the exact speed of the service, SpaceX had previously announced during the launch of Starlink that it ranges from 2 to 4 Mbps.
Starlink's Direct-To-Cell service will not need any special hardware. The new satellites will work like cell towers, except that they will be flying around in space instead of being mounted on a nearby building.
This means that any 4G-capable smartphone or device will be able to connect as long as it has a clear view of the sky. Initially, it will use the same app you currently use for texts, but once the data service is activated, you will be able to use any app, including WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, and iMessage.
Starlink has signed agreements with various mobile carriers across the world. These include T-Mobile in the USA, Optus in Australia, KDDI in Japan, One NZ in New Zealand, Salt in Switzerland, and Rogers in Canada. It is likely that more telcos will join as the service becomes fully operational.
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For those unaware, Starlink has been providing internet services in the Philippines since it launched nationwide in February 2023.