Starlink's satellite cell service to begin with SMS in 2024

Starlink is gearing up to introduce its highly anticipated satellite cellular service, known as Direct-to-Cell, with SMS capabilities in 2024.

The service is set to revolutionize communications by providing access to text messaging on land, lakes and coastal waters. While SMS support is the initial offering, Direct-to-Cell has broader plans that will eventually enable voice calls, data access and connectivity of IoT devices via the LTE standard. This development is a result of Starlink's collaboration with T-Mobile, with a commitment to expand coverage across the United States.

The project, first unveiled at the "Coverage and Above and Beyond" event last August, involves T-Mobile allocating a portion of its 5G spectrum for use by Starlink's second-generation satellites. In return, T-Mobile users will gain access to Starlink's satellite network, ensuring nearly complete cell coverage throughout the country. Elon Musk,

SpaceX CEO, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it would eliminate cellular dead zones worldwide.