TL;DR
- Starlink will begin beta-testing its direct-to-phone service on Monday, January 27th, enabling remote areas to access broadband internet and make calls without ground-based networks.
- Equipped with advanced modems, Starlink satellites act as space-based cell towers. Initial services will focus on text messaging, expanding to calls, video, and IoT as the technology matures.
- Starlink doubled its market share in Kenya, growing to 1.1% by September 2024, with over 8,700 new users, driven by equipment rental incentives and robust demand for rural connectivity.
- Rivals like Lynk Global and Amazon’s Project Kuiper also pursue satellite-to-phone markets, with potential industry disruption if satellite providers acquire spectrum to compete directly with mobile operators.
Starlink will launch its beta test for a direct-to-phone service on Monday. This innovative service aims to redefine global telecommunications by enabling satellites to act as cell towers in space.
With this technology, users in remote and underserved areas can access broadband internet and make phone calls without relying on traditional ground-based networks.
Elon Musk confirmed the announcement, stating, “Starlink direct from satellite to cellphone internet connection starts beta test in 3 days.”
SpaceX has been preparing for this moment by equipping its low-Earth-orbit satellites with direct-to-mobile capabilities.
In June 2024, 13 of the 20 satellites launched had this feature, with another 13 equipped in a subsequent launch ten days later.
These satellites include advanced eNodeB modems, allowing them to act as cellular towers and integrate seamlessly with existing networks, much like roaming partners.
Initially, the service will focus on low-bandwidth applications such as emergency text messaging. However, as the technology develops, it will support higher-bandwidth use cases like voice and video calls.
In addition, Starlink plans to roll out a satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) service later this year, further diversifying its offerings.
Understanding Starlink Direct-To-Cell/Direct-To-Phone
Starlink Direct-To-Cell is a satellite-based service that connects standard smartphones directly to satellites in low Earth orbit, effectively turning these satellites into space-based cell towers.
This setup allows users to send texts, make calls, and access the internet without traditional ground-based networks.
Notably, this service doesn’t require any special apps or hardware modifications; your existing smartphone is sufficient.
Each satellite is equipped with advanced eNodeB modems, enabling them to handle various services, including text messaging, voice calls, data transfers, and IoT applications.
For a more in-depth explanation of Starlink Direct-To-Cell, you can refer to the article we did on the technology here.
Starlink’s Market Share in Kenya
In Kenya, Starlink has rapidly expanded its presence. By September 2024, the company more than doubled its market share, reaching 1.1%, up from 0.5% in June.
This growth added 8,723 new users, elevating Starlink to the seventh-largest internet service provider in the country.
The surge in satellite internet subscriptions in Kenya is largely attributed to Starlink’s customer acquisition campaigns, including offering rental equipment at reduced costs.
