Starlink announces the launch of direct-to-cell satellite internet worldwide

On By Pranco

  • Starlink, owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, has announced plans to bring Evolved Node B on board its satellites
  • The eNodeB connection works in the same way as the standard roaming connection, acting as a cell phone tower in space
  • According to the company, the modem is compatible with regular 4G-LTE mobile phones as it collaborates with other telecom companies

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has more than eight years of experience in financial, companyand technology reporting, providing in-depth insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

SpaceX’s Starlink has announced the launch of direct-to-cell satellite internet services worldwide.

A man checks something on his phone.
A man uses his phone. Image for illustration. Photo: images of people.
Source: Getty Images

How Starlink connects satellite internet to phones

The new system aims to eliminate dead zones worldwide as the company works with other telecommunications companies.

In a statement seen by TUKO.co.keAccording to the company, the technology will overcome the challenge of connecting mobile phones to satellites.

“Starlink satellites with the direct-to-cell payload are equipped with innovative new custom silicon, phased array antennas and advanced software algorithms that overcome these challenges and provide standard LTE service to mobile phones on the ground, ” Starlink declared.

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Which phones connect directly to Starlink internet?

In August, the company became the property of the American billionaire Elon Muskhas announced plans to bring Evolved Node B onto its satellites.

The eNodeB connection works in the same way as the standard roaming connection, acting as a cell phone tower in space.

According to the company, the modem is Compatible with regular 4G-LTE mobile phones.

The company competes with existing companies internet providers (ISPs), especially through discounted offers and, most recently, thhe rental option introduced in Kenya.

The advanced Evolved Node B (eNodeB) modem connection aims to increase the company’s Internet market share.

What is Starlink’s market share?

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Sector Statistics Report for Q4 2023/2024 Ranked Safaricom PLC as the ISP with the largest market share with 36.4%, followed by Jamii Telecommunications Ltd and Wananchi Group with 24% and 17.5%.

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According to the report, Starlink Internet Services Kenya, which was licensed to provide satellite internet services earlier this financial year, had market share of 0.5% as of June 30, 2024.

This showed the pace at which Elon Musk’s company overtook local ISPs in less than twelve months.

From September 2024, Starlink had four million subscribers in more than 100 countries, including Kenya.

Source: TUKO.co.ke