SpaceX Deploys 6 Starlink Satellites with Direct-to-Mobile Connectivity
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has successfully launched six Starlink satellites equipped with direct-to-mobile capability. The move is anticipated to revolutionize global mobile communication by enhancing connectivity and eliminating dead zones.
The billionaire entrepreneur Musk highlighted that while the satellite service allows mobile phone connectivity worldwide, it won’t directly compete with traditional terrestrial mobile networks.Starlink plans to introduce its direct-to-mobile service this year, beginning with texting, followed by voice, data, and IoT services in 2025.
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Notably, users won’t need to upgrade their phones, as the service is compatible with existing 4G-enabled devices.
Musk emphasized that although the satellite beams offer approximately 7Mb per beam, they are not a significant competition to current terrestrial cellular networks.
The company’s vision is to provide ubiquitous access to communication services globally, emphasizing the convenience of Direct to Cell capabilities for texting, calling, and browsing without requiring changes to hardware or special apps.
Despite higher hardware and subscription costs, Starlink has gained prominence as one of the leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria, with potential collaborations with major operators like MTN Group being explored to expand services in underserved areas.
