SpaceX, which has been carrying out the Starlink project in recent years to enable cheap and high-speed internet all over the world, made another big announcement today. SpaceX CEO and founder Elon Musk has announced that the second-generation Starlink satellites will also include cellular antennas. This means that Starlink satellites can now be used in mobile communication as well.
Organizing a joint event with T-Mobile, one of the largest mobile operators in the USA, SpaceX also shared the cellular connection speed that the new Starlink satellites will offer. Accordingly, mobile devices will be able to exchange data at a speed of 2 to 4 Megabits per second by connecting to Starlink satellites. Of course, this value will vary according to the area covered by Starlink satellites.
The connection speed can even suffice for messaging apps:
The connection speed in question will be sufficient for direct use of texting, multimedia messaging (MMS), calling from mobile devices and even some messaging applications such as WhatsApp and iMessage with the establishment of partnership. The worst part is, this feature is only available in the USA for now.
Cellular connectivity will also be found in Tesla vehicles:
Answering some questions from Twitter after the event, Elon Musk said, “Will Tesla also receive this service with a premium connection?” to the question “Yes.” gave the answer. Musk did not share any information on when and how the connection will be provided.
Testing of the feature begins next year:
According to the shared information, the cellular connection feature via Starlink satellites will be available throughout the United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and US territorial waters. Beta testing of the feature is expected to begin in selected regions next year. It is unknown if T-Mobile will bring this feature to other regions it serves outside of the US.
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