A Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, deploying 20 Starlink communication satellites into low Earth orbit. This marks the completion of the first constellation equipped with Direct-to-Cell technology, which enables standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites.
“The first constellation of Starlink satellites with direct mobile connectivity is now deployed. This will allow unmodified smartphones to access the internet in remote areas. While the bandwidth per unit is currently about 10 Mbps, future constellations will be significantly more capable.”
said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on his social media platform, X.
The first Starlink satellite direct to cell phone constellation is now complete.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 5, 2024
This will enable unmodified cellphones to have Internet connectivity in remote areas.
Bandwidth per beam is only ~10Mb, but future constellations will be much more capable. https://t.co/wJHMGEzzE4
As planned, the satellites were successfully placed in low Earth orbit 61 minutes after the mission began. The Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth eight minutes post-launch, landing on the “Of Course I Still Love You” drone ship in the Pacific Ocean. SpaceX plans to conduct over 80 Starlink missions in 2024.
Currently, the Starlink constellation includes 6,799 satellites, around 330 of which support direct cellular connectivity. This system will provide mobile services in remote areas of the planet where traditional networks are unavailable. Starting next year, U.S. carrier T-Mobile will be the first to offer satellite cellular services, with others expected to follow.
