SpaceX, led by Musk, deploys initial phone service satellites

On Tuesday, Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 can transmit signals directly to smartphones from space

On Tuesday, SpaceX deployed a rocket containing the initial batch of Starlink satellites capable of beaming signals directly to smartphones from space. In August 2022, Elon Musk’s space venture entered into an agreement with wireless carriers to offer network access through Starlink satellites to phone users in areas with poor coverage.

T-Mobile US, one of the carriers, verified that the satellites launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket are presently in low-Earth orbit. According to T-Mobile’s announcement, the direct-to-cell service will initially offer text messaging, with voice and data capabilities expected in the subsequent years. While satellite service won’t be immediately accessible to T-Mobile customers, the company mentioned that field testing is scheduled to commence “soon.”

Sara Spangelo, the senior director of satellite engineering at SpaceX, indicated that SpaceX intends to swiftly expand the project. She mentioned, “The deployment of these initial direct-to-cell satellites marks a noteworthy milestone for SpaceX as we showcase our technology.”

Mike Katz, T-Mobile’s President of Marketing, Strategy, and Products, expressed that the service was crafted to guarantee users connectivity “even in the most remote locations.” He expressed optimism that the concept of dead zones would become obsolete in the future.

Wireless providers globally, such as KDDI in Japan, Optus in Australia, One NZ in New Zealand, and Rogers in Canada, will partner with SpaceX to introduce direct-to-cell technology.