SpaceX makes first video call using Starlink Direct to Cell satellites

SpaceX has made the first video call using Starlink Direct to Cell satellite as the company nears to launch of its commercial services for customers.

A short video posted on the social media site X showed a live demonstration of the video call from one person to another. The call was made using a Direct To Cell satellite phone to a traditional mobile network smartphone.

SpaceX demonstrating a video call using Direct Cell Satellite (Image Source – SpaceX)

The video quality was identical on phones and remained clear. SpaceX confirmed that the direct-to-cell satellite phone connection doesn’t require special modification to run this service onboard. Starlink’s direct to cell provides texting, calling, and data services for smartphones across the globe with dedicated satellites orbiting around the Earth.

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

These satellites have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard which acts like a cellphone tower in space. It enables network integration similar to a standard roaming partner. The company has planned to release text services by this year and calling and IoT services in 2025.

The Falcon 9 maker has partnered with different mobile service providers including T-Mobile In the U.S. Earlier this year, SpaceX sent the first six direct to cell satellites into orbit.

The company also tested the capability in mobile devices by texting between two iPhones. SpaceX has recently started delivering more direct to cell satellites to orbit to pace up the test phase and provide better connectivity.

SpaceX also confirmed that the services through T-Mobile will launch later this year.