SpaceX has been cooking up Starlink-backed satellite cell service for a while now, and the company just demoed a major milestone.
In the demo, a video call is placed using X to demonstrate Starlink Direct to Cell satellite functionality. SpaceX and T-Mobile co-announced plans to roll out Starlink-based satellite cell coverage in July 2023. SpaceX now says its “excited to go live with T-Mobile later this year,” pointing to a 2024 launch target.
While phone makers like Apple have been integrating satellite calling features for emergency purposes in recent years, SpaceX and T-Mobile could stand out by offering full phone usage in areas without cell coverage.
See the demo in action below:
First video call on @X completed through @Starlink Direct to Cell satellites from unmodified mobile phones!
We’re excited to go live with @TMobile later this year 🛰️🌎 pic.twitter.com/v4nA5B75EX
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 21, 2024
