This is how a ‘groundbreaking’ smartphone feature Elon Musk just enabled could completely change cellular connectivity forever.
If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of a hike or on a remote road trip, you may have noticed that a common issue you might run into is little to no phone signal.
It can be frustrating and in the cases of an emergency, it can even be life-threatening.
However, that could all be changing thanks to an ‘epic’ new feature that has been activated by Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink.
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Owned by SpaceX, Starlink is hoping to provide its service virtually anywhere in the world with its new Direct to Cell service.
With the new feature, you’ll no longer need specialized equipment in order to make satellite calls, instead you’ll be able to access it with just your iPhone or Android smartphone.
According to the firm’s website, Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.
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It continued: “Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters. Direct to Cell will also connect IoT devices with common LTE standards.”
Starlink has described Direct to Cell as being ‘engineered to eliminate mobile dead zones around the world’ and it is said to be a game changer for emergency events where people need assistance in remote locations.
In order to activate it, you’ll first need to make sure you have a compatible device and SIM card.
The Direct to Call service will allow you to make voice calls directly from your device without the need for any modifications, as long as your phone has LTE.
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Through your network settings, you will be able to activate Starlink, which means your phone will automatically switch to the satellite network whenever your regular cellular signal is not available.
Many fans of Starlink have shared their own reactions to the new service on social media, with one person taking to X, formerly Twitter, to describe the technology as ‘epic’.
Another user wrote: “I can’t wait to get my own Starlink connection!!”
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And a third person said: “Unbelievable! Way to powerfully demonstrate leveraging your extraplanetary prowess.”
The Direct to Cell service means people should be able to make a phone call from virtually anywhere in the world, even if you have no signal.