Starlink Direct to Cell is designed to be the world’s most reliable and independent mobile communication service — one that works directly with your smartphone and requires
no additional equipment. This technology ensures connectivity even during
power outages, natural disasters, or other emergencies that can disrupt mobile towers and terrestrial networks, giving users a dependable lifeline in any situation.
With
over 650 satellites in low Earth orbit,
Starlink operates the world’s largest and only Direct to Cell constellation, providing
data, voice, video, and text messaging in remote areas across
five continents. In essence, it offers
seamless global 4G coverage, even where traditional mobile service is unavailable.
Starlink Direct to Cell satellites act as
cell towers in space, each equipped with an onboard
eNodeB modem and advanced
phased-array antennas that connect via
laser links to the Starlink network worldwide. This integration allows Starlink to function like a
global roaming partner, eliminating mobile “dead zones” — over
50% of the Earth’s surface that remains outside the reach of ground-based networks.
The service works with
any LTE smartphone — no firmware updates, apps, or special configurations are needed. It’s accessible on
land, lakes, and coastal waters, delivering reliable communication precisely when it’s needed most.
Real-world examples highlight its importance:
- In New Zealand, a woman witnessing a car accident in an area with no cellular coverage was able to send a text message via Starlink Direct to Cell, helping rescuers arrive within minutes.
- In the United States, after hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, over 1.5 million people successfully exchanged millions of SMS messages and received emergency alerts that would otherwise have been lost.
Developed and launched by
SpaceX, Starlink leverages the company’s unmatched expertise in
rockets and spacecraft to deploy and expand the Direct to Cell network. Current satellites are launched via
Falcon 9, while the next-generation constellation will be deployed using
Starship, enabling instant laser-linked connections across the globe.
In addition to expanding mobile reach,
Direct to Cell will power the
Internet of Things (IoT) beyond terrestrial limits — connecting millions of devices in critical industries worldwide.
Key advantages:- Works with any LTE phone — no extra hardware required
- Compatible with standard CAT-1, CAT-1 Bis, and CAT-4 modems
- Global service plans will become available through authorized partners in selected countries starting in 2025.