"Starlink's New Cellular Service Set to Revolutionize Communication in 2024"
SpaceX has launched a new webpage to promote its upcoming "Starlink Direct to Cell" service, which aims to provide cellular connectivity to existing LTE phones via satellite. The service will initially offer texting services in 2024, followed by voice and data functionality in 2025, along with support for IoT devices. While the speeds may be relatively slow compared to terrestrial standards, the service's advantage lies in its extensive coverage, reaching practically everywhere in the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, and territorial waters. Satellite connectivity for smartphones has been a growing trend, with Apple introducing an Emergency SOS feature and AST SpaceMobile making the first satellite call over 5G from an unmodified smartphone.