Starlink collaborates with T-Mobile, one of the major mobile network operators in the United States of America. Together, they will also bring satellite connectivity to smartphones. We are not talking about internet connections – the bandwidth will be very limited – but about the possibility of send sms (and maybe even messages on applications like WhatsApp) in all those cases – usually d ‘emergency – where the traditional mobile network is not available.
Some of you may remember an important rumor that embraced the launch of the iPhone 13: Back then, there was talk of the possibility that Apple’s new smartphones would be the first phones on the market to offer some form of satellite connectivity for emergencies. The rumors proved unfounded, but apparently only to a certain extent. The interest of telephone companies in satellite connections is real and the agreement between SpaceX and T-Mobile is clear proof of that.
Six Starlink satellites can offer very high performance, low latency internet connections when it comes to fixed network services, a lot is changing regarding the new mobile phone service: the speed will be between 2 and 4 megabits per second. Too little to play a video on YouTube, but actually more than enough to text and call for help if you find yourself in a dangerous situation in the high mountains (or in the middle of the ocean, to make another drastic example) ).
The service will initially be offered throughout the US, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The first beta should start in a little over a year, so by the end of 2023. The reason for such a long wait is easy to explain: the service will rely on the new generation Starlink V2 satellites, which are currently still form a very minority. within SpaceX’s constellation of satellites.
Source: Lega Nerd
