Coverage above and beyond.
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3 minute read
Starting with text messaging in 2024,
The new service, which has already tested text messaging, promises to extend cell service to remote locations that—until now—have not been covered by any network. Due to rugged terrain, land-use restrictions, wildlife reserves, and other issues, there are more than a half-million square miles of land not covered by terrestrial networks in the U.S. Now satellite-to-cellular service will be able to reach cars, trucks, trains, and even ships in those areas.
With a clear view of the sky, customers will be able to send texts from space. Starlink has already begun launching new satellites to support the Direct-to-Cell service, which eventually will also support voice, data, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, anywhere, any time.
It’s possible thanks to low-latency, low-orbit satellites cruising just 340 miles above the earth, versus geosynchronous satellites that have communications delays because they are typically more than 22,000 miles above the planet.
“Today is another step forward in keeping our customers connected even in the most remote locations for added peace of mind when they need it most.”
Mike Katz
President of Marketing, Strategy and Products,
We offer America’s largest 5G network, but until now existing gaps across the vast expanse within U.S. deserts, mountain ranges, and other hard-to-reach areas still often lacked cellular service. With satellite communications complementing our coverage, those gaps will disappear, with coverage supporting everything from backcountry adventures to remote work.
Satellite-to-cellular connectivity promises a wide range of consumer and business uses in wilderness, off-the-grid, and other remote locations. In the automotive industry, that includes passenger vehicles on highways that lack cellular coverage, heavy trucks hauling goods across the country, guided tours in national parks, and family RV vacations.
Last year, 1 in 5 employees in the U.S. worked remotely, making connectivity critical, no matter how far employees are from the office.1
Technicians who manage and maintain wind and solar farms, often located in remote areas, can use the service to communicate from their vehicles on the road.
Over 100,000 search and rescue operations take place in the U.S. each year.2
Drivers can still reach out for assistance from remote locations—and first responders can keep in touch with dispatchers and call for additional support.
More than 15 million people went camping for the first time in the last two years.3
Whether overland exploring national wilderness or reaching secluded campsites and trailheads, drivers of all-terrain vehicles can navigate and communicate during their expeditions.
Through roaming agreements with other wireless providers, together with SpaceX we envision universal coverage across the U.S. and some of the most difficult terrain in the world.
The
Discover more resources.
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “One out of five workers teleworked in August 2023,” September 28, 2023
2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT)”
3. The Dyrt, “2023 Camping Report”
Contact us to learn more.