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SpaceX has made a significant leap in its mission to provide global internet coverage by launching additional satellites to support its Starlink network.
Recently, the company added 26 new satellites to its fleet, bringing the total number to 168 satellites dedicated to the Satellite Direct to Cell program. This expansion marks a major step forward in eliminating mobile phone dead zones across the United States.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, announced that Starlink’s direct-to-mobile phone internet service will initially be available exclusively through a partnership with T-Mobile in the United States.
This exclusive arrangement will last for the first year, after which other mobile carriers in the US and around the world will gain access to the service. Musk emphasized that while the service will begin with one carrier per country, the ultimate goal is for Starlink to serve all carriers globally.
The Starlink service is designed to work with any mobile phone that supports Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology. This means that a wide range of phones, from the latest models to older devices, will be able to access the internet directly from space without relying on traditional cell towers or terrestrial networks.
In Kenya, residents who have purchased Starlink kits from local authorized retailers already access the internet directly from space.
This is a distinct advantage compared to the traditional undersea cables that provide internet connectivity.
Starlink offers a more direct and potentially faster internet connection, which is particularly beneficial in remote or underserved areas.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation being developed by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. The project aims to provide high-speed internet access to people across the globe, especially in rural and remote areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking. The network consists of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that communicate with ground stations and user terminals on Earth, allowing for a direct and stable internet connection.
With the expansion of the Satellite Direct to Cell program, Starlink is poised to revolutionize mobile connectivity, offering a seamless internet experience even in the most isolated parts of the world.