SpaceX and T-Mobile will start testing satellite communications for simple smartphones

In 2023, SpaceX will launch a satellite-to-cell+ service that will be available to ordinary smartphones. But for now, it's in test mode.

Here's What We Know

Elon Musk's company will partner with mobile operator T-Mobile. This is reported by CNBC, citing SpaceX vice president Jonathan Hofeller.

Equipment for direct connection of smartphones to satellites is installed on Starlink V2 spacecraft. The company has already put several second-generation satellites into orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket, but it's not profitable. So SpaceX will wait for regulators to allow the Starship spacecraft with a Super Heavy rocket.

Until then, the company will launch Starlink V2 Mini satellites. They are equipped with more powerful antennas than the first-generation units, which number about 4,000 in orbit.

Jonathan Hofeller also noted that Starlink already has more than 1 million active users. This mark was reached back in December 2022. At the end of last year, the service had a surplus and will start earning money in 2023.

Source: CNBC