"Starlink Direct to Cell was first launched in early 2024, with satellites designed to connect directly to standard LTE devices. Within days of deployment, engineers demonstrated texting from unmodified phones, followed by video calling. Over the past 18 months, SpaceX has grown the system to more than 600 satellites, which now offer service across five continents. Today, Starlink Direct to Cell is considered the largest 4G coverage provider in the world, connecting over six million users and counting, according to SpaceX in a post."
"SpaceX has struck a deal with EchoStar to acquire 50 MHz of exclusive S-band spectrum in the United States and global Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) licenses, paving the way for its next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell constellation. The agreement strengthens Starlink's ability to expand its mobile coverage worldwide. With the upgraded system, SpaceX aims to deliver full 5G connectivity to unmodified cell phones and eliminate mobile dead zones worldwide."
SpaceX acquired 50 MHz of exclusive S-band spectrum in the United States and global Mobile Satellite Service licenses from EchoStar to support a next-generation Starlink Direct-to-Cell constellation. Starlink Direct-to-Cell launched in early 2024 with satellites built to connect directly to standard LTE devices, enabling texting and video calls from unmodified phones. The system expanded to more than 600 satellites with service across five continents and connects over six million users. The constellation integrates with a broader fleet of about 8,000 satellites via a laser mesh at roughly 360 kilometers altitude, supporting messaging, calls, navigation, social apps, and IoT. The new spectrum enables higher-capacity, second-generation satellites designed to deliver full 5G connectivity and reduce mobile dead zones globally.
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