Starlink, the satellite network from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been working exclusively with T-Mobile for a long time to offer Direct to Cell satellite connectivity. But that’s about to change.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that while Starlink’s satellite connectivity is currently limited to T-Mobile users in the USA, the service will soon be available to customers of other carriers. After the partnership ends, they plan to expand to other carriers and broaden access to it.
A few days ago, SpaceX's Senior Director Ben Longmier shared his excitement on X about how the company pulled off a double launch. They succeeded in sending two rockets up from the coasts of Florida and California.
With those missions, they added 26 new satellites to the Direct to Cell program, bringing the total number to 168. It's huge news for every T-Mobile customers because it means that by the end of the year, dead zones in the U.S. should be a thing of the past. Wherever you are, you will have cell coverage, even in the most remote spots.
Starlink direct to mobile phone Internet is exclusively with @Tmobile in the US for the first year, then other carriers thereafter.
In response to his post, Elon Musk wrote that Starlink's Direct to Cell satellite service is currently restricted to the USA. But after the first year, you will gain reliable connectivity for calls, texts, and data if you are in rural or remote locations. You should also expect emergency services. To be clear, that's happening in 2025 and it all depends on approval from each country’s government.
The company plans to expand globally and partner with one carrier per country and eventually extend all carriers. Frankly, it makes much more sense this way. With a large-scale project like this, you want to take your time and ensure everything goes smoothly. One carrier per country allows them to fix issues as they pop up and manage costs.
Source: https://www.talkandroid.com/488611-starlink-carrier-more/