I guess you have heard it and saw the pictures flying online with Starlink demonstrating a Direct To Cell (D2C) services in the States. Let’s break it down on the concept.
Firstly, your mobile phone does not require any modification as Starlink claims they will be using the same frequency used by the mobile operators which explains their joint-venture with T-Mobile. The way this is done is by putting the mobile base station (not literally) at Starlink satellites to beam the mobile signal back to earth.
Yes, you guessed it, how does the same low band (compared the frequency Starlink uses) propagate through space and provide the same mobile services that we enjoy. Well, it doesn’t!
The D2C product that was tested is in the speeds few tenths or hundreds of kbps which is ideal for emergency services and basic texting. Yes, the services certainly give you the ability to connect from anywhere in the world via Starlink satellites but it’s capacity limited. Starlink being Starlink would definitely improve the capacity portion by adding more satellites and improving the efficiency of their satellite antenna. However, the improvement to D2C capacity is something we must wait for.
As for the idea of Starlink doing the same in other regions remains a question mark simply due to the regulatory method adapted by different regions. For example, in Malaysia, the spectrum are auctioned to Mobile Network Operators for Class Assignment or they can choose to lease the spectrum via a process named Apparatus Assignment. As it sounds the spectrum is not fully in control of a single entity which makes the whole proposition complicated.
In summary, I believe D2C is definitely a game changer for emergency and texting services. Imagine you texting in middle of nowhere just to let your loved one knows you made it and combining it with wearables will lead to new use cases such as tracking for rescue missions and more. Indeed, an exciting time ahead!
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