The United States is testing free cell phone connection to Starlink satellites. Starting in July, it will become a paid service, for any Smartphone, from any operator, with eSIM.

The announcement was made in conjunction with T-Mobile during the recent edition of the SuperBowl. It highlights the fact that SpaceX already has more than 7,000 Starlink satellites in operation; 450 of them are Direct to Cell.

“In addition to offering broadband Internet, these satellites function as telephone towers in space. When a T-Mobile Starlink user loses coverage, their phone will connect directly to the satellites that are passing overhead, and these will talk to each other to forward messages to a ground station.”

The service currently offers text messaging. But it is expected to soon offer voice calling options and data services.

The SpaceX company, owned by Elon Musk, “has shown that even video calls are feasible with Starlink Direct to Cell, but more satellites will be needed in orbit for the company to be able to offer widespread use of this type of complex service.”

Regarding the costs that users will have to pay starting in July, it is known that “T-Mobile customers will have to pay $15 per month to not be left without signal in areas without coverage ($10 per month if they take advantage of the exit offer). Customers of other operators will pay much more: $20 per month without discounts.”

M.Pino

Source: xataka

(Reference image source: Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash)

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