After a pre-Independence Day launch from SpaceX which delivered 100 new satellites for its Direct to Cell service, the company confirmed that this technology from Starlink would soon be accessible in the US this 2024. Its announcement for the United States means that this would be available via SpaceX and Starlink's partner for this service, T-Mobile.
It was almost two years since SpaceX confirmed the Direct to Cell service coming for the world, also revealing its global partners for when it is branching out to other territories.
SpaceX's Starlink, T-Mobile Direct to Cell Network Launching This 2024
The early July mission of SpaceX successfully delivered its payload of 100 Direct to Cell satellites for Starlink in orbit, and this marks the massive expansion towards the "next frontier."
It was later announced by SpaceX's senior director, Sara Spangelo, that later this year, SpaceX and T-Mobile's Direct to Cell service in the United States will launch this year.
There are still no confirmations on the exact timeline of SpaceX and T-Mobile's satellite network for smartphones, but a previous FCC filing from SpaceX claimed that it will launch by Fall 2024. Currently, both have also not yet announced the pricing or subscription plans for this service from T-Mobile, as well as what would it deliver for all.
SpaceX's 100 New Satellites are All for Direct to Cell
Amidst the Fourth of July celebration in the US, SpaceX is also enjoying the holiday for their recent success in the Falcon 9 launch which delivered the new satellites for its Direct to Cell. However, the job is not yet over as it is planning to launch 100 additional satellites later this year that will help expand more of its Direct to Cell service.
SpaceX, Starlink's Direct to Cell Service
It was two years since SpaceX first announced that Starlink would be partnering with T-Mobile in a joint event announcing the first iteration of the Direct to Cell service for its users. It was previously referred to as 'reciprocal roaming' where it would be available anywhere in the globe, and this would be done through a network connection beamed by SpaceX's satellites.
Last year, SpaceX and T-Mobile first announced the beginning of their tests for the service to bring satellite connectivity to smartphones even without supporting this feature or equipping hardware for it. Apple, Samsung, and other companies are known for introducing satellite connectivity with their devices, but Starlink and T-Mobile's services would not need it.
It was also in 2023 that SpaceX clarified that for US users, T-Mobile would be the service provider, and that would differ for other nations, also announcing other Starlink partners.
After successfully testing their services earlier this year, SpaceX and T-Mobile are close to launching their satellite service for smartphones, powered by the 100 new satellites for Direct to Cell.
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