😉 Text your ex from the jungle

👉 What the fact?!

As of May 2024, Starlink has over 6000 satellites in orbit, and on June 4th 2024, SpaceX launched an additional 20, 13 of which equipped with Direct to Cell technology.

Similar to the already available portable satellite dishes from Starlink, this new technology will enable the same functionality, but directly to your LTE phone.

This means that most users with Android or iPhone phones will be able to browse the web even in the most remote areas.

What is ‘Direct to Cell’?

Unlike traditional mobile networks that rely on a network of cell towers, Direct to Cell connects mobile phones directly to Starlink's satellites in orbit. The satellites are equipped with technology acting as special cell phone towers in space.

This essentially cuts out the middleman and eliminates the need for an extra satellite dish or cell tower. The technology will start its rollout during 2024 and 2025, and is set to enable text messages, voice calls, and data usage.

🔥 Potential impact

On the most extreme side of the spectrum, Direct to Cell will enable disaster response teams to have voice and text connectivity in remote areas reliably. And on the other end, it will enable the average Joe to visit his family’s farm without worrying about connection issues.

Let’s imagine some of the most impactful areas:

• Global Connectivity: This technology can provide mobile service in areas where traditional cell towers are not feasible, such as remote or underserved regions.

• Disaster Response: Direct Cell can ensure continuous communication for emergency services and affected populations in natural disasters where ground infrastructure is damaged.

• Seamless Integration: Since the service works with existing LTE phones without requiring any hardware or firmware changes, adoption can be swift and widespread. This ease of integration can accelerate the deployment of the service globally

• IoT Expansion: The service also supports IoT devices, which can greatly assist industries like agriculture by providing reliable connectivity in remote locations.

While the initial investment to build and launch a satellite into orbit may be large, the payoff of providing internet access anywhere in the world is tremendous. Not only financially for the technology providers but most importantly for its consumers like us.

👋 See you next Tuesday!

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