Why Elon Musk’s satellite internet for smartphones is not for everyone

SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space company, launched the first six Starlink satellites aimed at providing internet for mobile phone connectivity. These satellites have Direct to Cell capability and will offer global connectivity, eliminating dead zones. However, they have limitations, with each beam supporting only ~7Mbps and not being competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks.

The satellites will initially provide internet in areas with no connectivity and eventually connect IoT devices. SpaceX plans to launch approximately 840 direct-to-mobile phone satellites in the next 6 months. Integration with mobile network operators will be necessary for network integration.

Elon Musk ’s space company SpaceX launched the first six satellites that will offer internet for mobile phone connectivity. While this is a giant leap in the direction of satellite-based internet globally, it comes with a limitation. “The six Starlink satellites on this mission with Direct to Cell capability will further global connectivity and help to eliminate dead zones,” SpaceX said in a post.

“This will allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth,” Musk added. However, Musk did provide additional information that may dash hopes of people talking about getting internet connectivity irrespective of where they are. “Note, this only supports ~7Mb per beam and the beams are very big, so while this is a great solution for locations with no cellular connectivity, it is not meaningfully competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks,” Musk added.

Why Starlink internet is not for everyone Firstly, one thing from Musk’s post is clear that initially, the satellites aim to provide internet in areas that have no connectivity. This is something similar to what Apple is offering with iPhones. The satellites are aimed to provide “access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones across the globe”.

The text support starting this year, which means that those who get to use it will have to wait a bit more. Direct to Cell will also connect IoT devices with common LTE standards but for that, users have to wait for another year as SpaceX plans support in 2025. These six satellites were a part of the 21 Starlink satellites that were launched.

SpaceX plans to launch approximately 840 direct-to-mobile phone satellites over the next 6 months. Finally, 7Mbps speed is a lot less when compared with what telecom operators in several countries offer. For example, as per Ookla’s report, the UAE offers an average internet speed of 324.

92Mbps. In India, the average mobile data speed is 94. 62Mbps.

With several devices connected to one 7Mbps beam, there will likely be a negative impact on the speed of the internet in each device. We may see a speed bump in future. How Direct to Cell internet will work Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space.

It allows network integration similar to a standard roaming partner. Additionally, Starlink will have to partner with mobile network operators (MNOs) to integrate their services into existing cellular networks. While this may have been done in some countries, there are reports about the service being launched in India as well.

Recently, Vodafone Idea clarified that it is not in talks to tie up with Musk’s satellite internet company. Meanwhile, a separate report claimed that Reliance Jio may soon receive regulatory approval for launching satellite internet services in India. Explore Your Financial Landscape with Personalized Credit Insights.

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