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Home » SpaceX Tests Starlink Direct to Cell in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

SpaceX Tests Starlink Direct to Cell in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

Starlink Direct To Cell

SpaceX’s ambitious Starlink Direct to Cell service is making waves in the Southern Hemisphere, with New Zealand emerging as the latest testing ground for this groundbreaking technology. This development marks a significant step forward in SpaceX’s mission to provide global cellular connectivity via satellite.

Ben Longmier, SpaceX’s Senior Director of Satellite Engineering, has confirmed that trials are underway in collaboration with One New Zealand, the country’s largest 5G cellular operator. This partnership opens up access to a potential customer base of 2.4 million, providing a robust testing environment for the Direct to Cell service.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given its approval for Starlink to conduct Direct to Cell testing in New Zealand. However, the regulatory body has deferred the responsibility of setting out-of-band emissions (OOBE) limits to New Zealand’s regulatory authorities. This decision underscores the complex international nature of satellite communications and the need for collaborative regulatory frameworks.

SpaceX Tests Starlink Direct to Cell in New Zealand

SpaceX’s Direct to Cell service represents a leap forward in satellite technology. The Starlink satellites dedicated to this service are equipped with custom silicon, phased array antennas, and advanced software algorithms. These innovations enable the satellites to provide standard LTE service to ground-based cell phones, overcoming traditional challenges associated with satellite-to-cellular communication.

Despite the technological advancements, Starlink’s plans have not been without controversy. Concerns have been raised about the potential interference with geostationary satellite signals and terrestrial cellular frequencies, SpaceX vs AT&T & Verizon: The Battle for Cellular Starlink.

As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of satellite communications, the industry watches with bated breath. Will Starlink’s Direct to Cell service prove to be a game-changer, or will regulatory hurdles and technical challenges keep this technology grounded? Only time will tell if this celestial cellular service will truly star-link us all.

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