This is an important event for the telecommunications sector: SpaceX and T-Mobile have succeeded in sending the first SMS via a Starlink satellite. And this from a compatible smartphone which requires no communication. This initiative marks the start of satellite text communications testing.
Starlink’s expansion in the sector satellite communications continues to expand the horizons of modern connectivity. Beyond the simple satellite-smartphone link, the company recently demonstrated its ability to provide a high-speed internet connection in new conditions, such as on board planes. With, in the long term, access to advanced services, such as access to video streaming during their flight. An example which illustrates the versatility of its technology which is adapted to a multitude of contexts of use.
Starlink has the ambition to offer global, accessible internet coverage directly from mobile phones. This vision is particularly relevant for isolated regions, where terrestrial communications infrastructure is limited. It is with this in mind that an important step has been taken: sending the first SMS via satellite.
SpaceX via the T-Mobile network sends the first SMS in history by satellite
There transmission of the first SMS via a Starlink satellite was carried out by SpaceX and T-Mobile. It is based on Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology which allows information to be transmitted from one phone to another via a satellite network without having to modify the smartphones. The SMS is sent from a standard telecom network (that of T-Mobile in this case), passes through the Starlink relay antennas, passes through the satellites which then broadcast the message to the recipient phone. These tests aim to evaluate and improve thehas reliability and efficiency of this technology for the general public in daily use.
Sending this SMS is only the start of a larger project which has significant implications for many fields. In addition to the impact on connectivity, this technology will also play a more important role in emergency situations than it does today. It also has the potential to improve logistics and connectivity in remote areas.