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Starlink Completes Direct to Cell Constellation, Opens Service to Telcos Worldwide to Eliminate Dead Zones

Dec 5, 2024, 05:37 AM

SpaceX's Starlink has completed its Direct to Cell satellite constellation, enabling unmodified cell phones to access internet connectivity in remote areas. The constellation comprises 24 planes with 13 satellites per plane at a 53-degree inclination and will be raised to 360 km before being activated. The recent Falcon 9 launch of 20 Starlink satellites completed the first orbital shell of this constellation. The service is now open to any telecom operator worldwide aiming to eliminate dead zones for text messaging and internet access. Elon Musk stated, "Even if an entire region or country lost connectivity because of a severe natural disaster, even if all the cell towers are taken out, your phone will still work." This development is expected to revolutionize connectivity, particularly in underserved areas, and enhance communication capabilities during emergencies. While the current bandwidth per beam is approximately 10Mb, future constellations are expected to offer greater capabilities.