"SpaceX and T-Mobile's 2024 Launch Introduces Direct-to-Phone Satellite Service"

SpaceX has launched the first six Starlink satellites equipped with Direct to Cell capabilities, designed to act as space-based cell towers for T-Mobile and other global carriers. These satellites will enable texting, calling, and browsing in remote areas without the need for specialized hardware. The service will start with text messaging in 2024 and expand to voice and data by 2025. T-Mobile will begin field testing the technology soon, aiming to provide coverage in areas currently unreachable by traditional cellular networks. Elon Musk has noted that while the service will enhance connectivity in remote locations, it is not intended to compete with existing terrestrial cellular networks due to bandwidth limitations.