SpaceX has just reached an important milestone with its Direct to Cell satellite service. The company achieved a successful video call using standard, unmodified phones. The launch of the service is planned for the end of the year.
SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of satellite connectivity. In January 2024, the company achieved a significant breakthrough by transmitting the first SMS via satellite Starlink in collaboration with T-Mobile. This technology, which is based on Direct-to-Device (D2D), allows text messages to be transmitted without modification to smartphones. This feat is part of a series of actions aimed at improving communications coverage and reliability, even in the most remote areas.
Since 2022, SpaceX has been developing a satellite telephone service which should be launched in 2024. A few months ago, the company demonstrated that a smartphone could reach a download speed of 17 Mb/s directly via a Starlink satellite, without the need for specialized equipment. Recently, the company reached a new milestone by demonstrating a video call successful between two employees using an unmodified phone connected to Direct to Cell.
These SpaceX employees made the first satellite video call
On the X platform (formerly Twitter), SpaceX shared a video showing an employee making a video call with one of his colleagues via the Direct to Cell service. What makes this demonstration remarkable is the use of standard telephones – an iPhone and a Google Pixel in this case -. They are not modified, which thus proves the feasibility of the technology. Although video call quality either again perfectiblethe test shows that the service works correctly.
When Direct to Cell launches later this year, it will support SMS first. The services of voice and of data will follow in 2025. By sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) two months ago, SpaceX had already claimed that the service “met or exceeded testing objectives“. This advancement brings the company closer to its goal of providing global, accessible satellite coverage no matter where you are.
First video call on @X completed through @Starlink Direct to Cell satellites from unmodified mobile phones!
We’re excited to go live with @TMobile later this year 🛰️🌎 pic.twitter.com/v4nA5B75EX
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 21, 2024