Elon Musk announced that SpaceX would test the Starlink Direct-to-Cell feature in the coming days, enabling smartphones to connect directly to satellites for internet access.
“Starlink’s direct satellite-to-cellphone internet feature will begin its beta phase in three days,” Musk posted on X on January 24.
Direct-to-Cell allows mobile devices to connect to the Starlink satellite system without relying on ground stations. Instead, the system uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites as “cell towers in space.” According to Musk, SpaceX plans to begin testing this feature on January 27.
How Direct-to-Cell Works
The Starlink website describes Direct-to-Cell as offering connectivity anywhere, enabling users to send messages, make calls, and browse the web without relying on terrestrial cell towers or requiring additional hardware. It also connects IoT devices using standard LTE technology.
“Direct-to-Cell works with LTE-compatible phones wherever users can see the sky,” the website explains. “No hardware modifications, firmware updates, or special apps are needed. The feature provides seamless access for texting, voice calls, and data connectivity.”
SpaceX noted that the feature had undergone internal testing for several months, with the public beta phase as the next step. The company plans to share detailed information about supported devices and program participation soon. Initially, the service will focus on basic text messaging before expanding to voice calls and data services.
A Leap in Global Communication
According to GizChina, Direct-to-Cell represents a significant step in bridging global communication gaps. “Millions of people in rural and remote areas lack access to mobile services. Direct-to-Cell has the potential to change that. By bypassing the need for traditional infrastructure, it can connect people even in the most hard-to-reach places,” the technology site commented.
Musk first unveiled the satellite-to-smartphone internet feature in September 2024, naming it Starlink Cellular. The service allows mobile phones to connect from anywhere on Earth.
“The service will initially operate exclusively with T-Mobile in the U.S. during the first year before expanding to other carriers. We will start by partnering with a single carrier in each country, but hope to collaborate with all carriers eventually,” Musk stated on X at the time.
Starlink’s Ambitious Goals
Musk aims for Starlink to deploy 42,000 satellites in its space-based internet network by 2027. SpaceX has already produced over one million user terminals, with its satellite internet currently achieving speeds of 50–150 Mbps, reaching up to 175 Mbps in certain areas.
