Starlink’s New Direct to Cell Technology Will Give You a Signal Without a Direct View of the Sky

Starlink continues to enhance its satellite connectivity services in multiple areas. While some updates haven’t pleased all customers—such as a “network congestion” fee in high-demand areas—potential new users have benefited from a reduction in the price of the Starlink antenna.

One of Starlink’s upcoming goals is to implement Direct to Cell technology, enabling calls from anywhere with any smartphone. Surprisingly, according to the company, this service will work even if your phone doesn’t have a direct view of the sky.

Starlink’s Expanding Mobile Coverage

According to PCMag, Ben Longmier, Starlink’s director of satellite engineering, has boasted about the company’s upcoming project, Direct to Cell. This project will bring satellite connectivity to all smartphones, and the company is already testing it internally.

Click on the image to see the post on X.

Longmier said the future cellular service won’t always require a clear sky view to provide coverage, as testing has shown it works indoors. He shared his experience with the service:

“I do most of my testing inside and my dinner table. It's near a window.”

“SpaceX DTC also works in a pocket facing away from the sat, and inside a Tesla. I really thought the human body would attenuate more signal.”

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The first phase of Direct to Cell will support text messaging, followed by voice calls, and eventually, Internet downloads.

SpaceX is also developing technology to help mobile operators extend coverage to areas lacking cellular service, such as remote regions. The company awaits the Federal Communications Commission’s approval to operate commercially.

However, Starlink satellites have already been used to support text messaging during Hurricane Idalia in Florida. According to PCMag, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert noted the success of those tests, reporting the delivery of “hundreds of thousands” of messages. For global messaging coverage, however, SpaceX will need additional satellites, which will be deployed gradually.

Image | Mariia Shalabaieva (Unsplash) | Starlink

Related | SpaceX Is Asking for Permission to Position Starlink Satellites at Lower Altitudes. This Is the First Step Toward 1 Gbps Internet Connections