Ayodeji Ayenuwa
Starlink, Elon Musk’s internet company, is set to revolutionize global communication services through its plan to enable direct satellite connectivity for mobile phones.
The rollout begins in 2024 with texting, followed by voice, data, and IoT services in 2025. According to Starlink’s website, current 4G-enabled phones will be fully compatible with this service.
The primary objective of Starlink’s initiative is to offer universal access to communication services across the world. This means that “Direct to Cell” satellites will empower users to text, call, and browse from virtually any location, with no need for additional hardware or apps for existing LTE phones.
As Starlink puts it, “Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data.”
To achieve this, Starlink will launch a fleet of satellites that will function as communication base stations, effectively providing ‘global connectivity.’
They will also need to secure mobile operating licenses in each country where the service is to be deployed.
This widespread satellite coverage is expected to empower connectivity even in remote regions where conventional cellular networks often falter.
Implications of this Development:
Ultimately, this venture positions Starlink, originally introduced in Nigeria as an Internet Service Provider (ISP), to become a direct competitor with well-established mobile telecommunications giants like MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile.
Nevertheless, this expansion necessitates securing additional licenses, including one from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the United States has already seen the emergence of partnerships, with Starlink signing an agreement with T-Mobile. T-Mobile anticipates that this technology will provide text coverage virtually everywhere across the continental U.S., including Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and territorial waters.
Also, in Canada, Rogers Communications has announced plans to offer satellite-to-phone coverage compatible with all 5G and 4G smartphones once they become commercially available.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
