Initial six Starlink Direct to Cell satellites launched

Elon Musk-led SpaceX launched six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities on January 3, 2024, through Falcon 9.

The aerospace company made the announcement through an X (Twitter) post:

Falcon 9 launches 21 Starlink satellites to orbit from California, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities → direct.starlink.com.

The following telecommunication companies are among the first to benefit from direct-to-cell Starlink services for worldwide connectivity:

1. T-Mobile in the USA
2. Rogers Communications in Canada
3. Optus in Australia
4. KDDI in Japan
5. One NZ in New Zealand
6. Salt Mobile in Switzerland
7. Entel in Chile and Peru

According to Starlink, these satellites will provide direct-to-cell capabilities, enabling access to satellite broadband via smartphones.

Here's the description of the Direct to Cell technology according to the official website:

STARLINK DIRECT TO CELL. Seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones across the globe. UBIQUITOUS COVERAGE Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters. Direct to Cell will also connect IoT devices with common LTE standards. TEXT - Starting 2024. VOICE AND DATA - Starting 2025. IOT - Starting 2025. STAY CONNECTED. Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data. ELIMINATE DEAD ZONES​. Direct to Cell enables connectivity in remote regions, providing peace of mind when customers need it most.

In simple terms, those who use the Starlink service on their smartphones will enjoy internet connectivity no matter where they are.

The Direct to Cell service is especially important in places where solid internet access is difficult or not available at all. The system can also be set up quickly, which shows how useful it is in situations when infrastructure on land may not be available for a variety of reasons, such as natural disasters.

Starlink aims to create a global network of internet satellites. Currently, over 5100 active satellites orbit the Earth, with that number expected to grow with each new launch.

In the Philippines, the aerospace company's internet service was launched in February 2023, offering various Starlink plans, including Residential, Roam, and Boats.