The American aerospace corporation SpaceX plans a breakthrough from the coming year by initiating direct internet connections for commercial smartphones via its satellite-based internet service, Starlink, according to reports from Heise. The LTE-mobile connection is purposed to allow smartphones to establish direct connections with satellites in select countries from 2024 and facilitate exchanges of text messages via the internet connection.

In the following year, it is projected that internet browsing will be possible. IoT devices should also be able to gain support from Starlink by then. The initial roll-out is expected to take place in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

The worth of SpaceX is estimated to rise to $137 billion. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, presented these plans a year ago. However, there have been only a few updates since then. In the meantime, Apple introduced a new feature that allows iPhones to make an emergency call or share the location via a satellite connection in areas with poor network reception.

With Bullitt Satellite Connect and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Satellite, there are two additional services promising similar functionality. Furthermore, for several months tests have been conducted with the giant satellite BlueWalker 3 that allowed regular smartphones to browse the internet normally. SpaceX now aims to bring unmodified smartphones to the internet with the next generation of its Starlink satellites.

These are to be launched with SpaceX's own Falcon 9. Initially, it was stated that the massive rocket Starship would be required for this, which is however not yet ready for operation. Contracts have already been signed with providers in six countries, and from Europe, only the Swiss mobile provider Salt Mobile is involved.

The new smartphone offering from Starlink's internet is called 'Direct to Cell' and aims to significantly expand the user base of the service. Currently, a Starlink antenna costing more than 400 Euros is required to establish a connection with the satellites. This technology is primarily aimed at people living away from broadband connections who need a reliable, fast internet connection on a permanent basis.

Direct to Cell, on the other hand, is intended to help in areas with poor network reception. There is still no information available about the prices, and the data rate is initially expected to be merely between 2 to 4 MBit/s. Moreover, the smartphones will need a clear line of sight to the sky.