SpaceX launches the first Starlink satellites for direct-to-cell coverage

SpaceX recently launched six “Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities” into orbit. When they come online, these satellites will be able to provide cellular connectivity to all corners of the United States – even to remote locations.

This comes as part of Coverage Above and Beyond, a partnership initiative the company entered into with T-Mobile in 2022. It took a while, but the program is finally paying off. SpaceX explains on its website that these satellites essentially function as cell phone towers thanks to a built-in “eNodeB modem.” The ultimate goal here is to effectively eliminate the existence of dead zones, thus “enabling cell phone connections anywhere on Earth.” Something to keep in mind is that the service is mainly intended for remote locations.