TECH - Buy Cell Phone Service From Elon Musk? Starlink Direct-To-Cell Technology Could Soon 'Allow For Mobile Phone Connectivity Anywhere On Earth' | Benzinga
Elon Musk-led companies have been at the forefront of the space and electric vehicle sectors for many years. Now, Musk's SpaceX appears to be gearing up for a potential foray into the telecommunications and cell service market.
What Happened: SpaceX recently launched its first set of direct-to-cell Starlink satellites, which could push the company deeper into the consumer communications sector.
SpaceX recently launched 21 Starlink satellites, including six with direct-to-cell capabilities, which could help eliminate dead zones often experienced by cell phone use.
The direct-to-cell technology provides a link from mobile phones directly to Starlink's satellites, instead of the traditional method of mobile networks relying on cell phone towers.
Musk is hoping that the new technology can "allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth." The billionaire cautioned that the new technology could be great for areas with limited connectivity, but likely won't be competitive "with existing terrestrial cellular networks."
SpaceX partnered with T-Mobile US (NASDAQ:TMUS) on the new phone connectivity capabilities and received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to test direct-to-cell capabilities. SpaceX ...