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The New Coffee Room

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  3. Direct-to-cell

Direct-to-cell

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  • G Offline
    G Offline
    George K
    wrote on 31 Dec 2024, 13:33 last edited by
    #1

    https://jasondeegan.com/elon-musk-has-done-it-iphones-and-android-smartphones-can-now-use-his-satellites-to-make-calls-anywhere-on-earth/

    Starlink, a division of SpaceX, has announced its plans to introduce Direct-to-Cell, a groundbreaking feature that uses its vast satellite network to allow voice calls on regular smartphones. What sets this apart is its simplicity—there’s no need for modifications to your device. As long as your phone is LTE-compatible, you’re ready to connect.

    This innovation could fundamentally change how we think about mobile communication. Imagine being able to make calls from the remotest corners of the Earth—whether you’re deep in a rainforest, sailing in the middle of the ocean, or trekking across deserts—with no cell towers in sight. Starlink’s satellite system makes this scenario entirely possible.
    According to a letter sent by SpaceX to the FCC, the service has already proven successful with devices from major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Tests confirmed smooth communication using the PCS G Block spectrum, across urban and rural areas, indoors and outdoors, and even under tree cover or clear skies.

    Crucially, SpaceX emphasizes that any LTE-enabled smartphone will work with this technology—no hardware upgrades required. Even slightly older models like the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 can benefit from this satellite connectivity, proving that cutting-edge communication doesn’t have to leave older devices behind.

    One of the most significant advantages of Starlink’s service is its flexibility. Unlike traditional satellite communication systems that often restrict users to preset messaging options, this new solution allows consumers to send fully customizable messages through their preferred platforms. In emergency situations, this added context could be life-saving, enabling users to clearly communicate their needs.

    "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08

    The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.

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    • 8 Offline
      8 Offline
      89th
      wrote on 31 Dec 2024, 14:53 last edited by
      #2

      At 1:35

      Link to video

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      • G Offline
        G Offline
        George K
        wrote on 31 Dec 2024, 14:57 last edited by
        #3

        Wonder how much it'll cost.

        Apple's phones already have a direct-to-cell feature for emergencies.

        "Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... " - Mik, 6/14/08

        The saying, "Lite is just one damn thing after another," is a gross understatement. The damn things overlap.

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        • J Offline
          J Offline
          jon-nyc
          wrote on 31 Dec 2024, 15:08 last edited by
          #4

          Thanks for posting that @89th haven’t seen it in ages.

          Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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          👍
          • M Offline
            M Offline
            Mik
            wrote on 31 Dec 2024, 22:15 last edited by
            #5

            Nice. It's a matter of interest for me since my kid lives in the desert. Lots of Nevada has no real coverage.

            "The intelligent man who is proud of his intelligence is like the condemned man who is proud of his large cell." Simone Weil

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            • L Offline
              L Offline
              LuFins Dad
              wrote on 31 Dec 2024, 23:14 last edited by
              #6

              This is frigging amazing and TIMELY… I’ve been thinking a lot about intercontinental communications with Luke in London this week.

              It started with Luke being astounded that they wanted $12 per day for an international data plan this week. I laughed and told him it wasn’t too long ago that it was $4 per minute to London, and that when I was his age, it would have cost 20¢ per minute just to call somewhere 90 miles away… Then we decided to just use Facebook Messenger when he’s somewhere with WiFi access for video calls. It hit me just how absurd it is that we can video call for free over the internet, but still have relatively high international calling rates. I think those days are coming to an end, but I don’t think people appreciate just how cheap communications have become over the last 30 years…

              The Brad

              8 1 Reply Last reply 31 Dec 2024, 23:37
              • A Offline
                A Offline
                Axtremus
                wrote on 31 Dec 2024, 23:18 last edited by
                #7

                If you're going to be in a foreign country for a long time (say, more than two weeks), get a local SIM.

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                • L LuFins Dad
                  31 Dec 2024, 23:14

                  This is frigging amazing and TIMELY… I’ve been thinking a lot about intercontinental communications with Luke in London this week.

                  It started with Luke being astounded that they wanted $12 per day for an international data plan this week. I laughed and told him it wasn’t too long ago that it was $4 per minute to London, and that when I was his age, it would have cost 20¢ per minute just to call somewhere 90 miles away… Then we decided to just use Facebook Messenger when he’s somewhere with WiFi access for video calls. It hit me just how absurd it is that we can video call for free over the internet, but still have relatively high international calling rates. I think those days are coming to an end, but I don’t think people appreciate just how cheap communications have become over the last 30 years…

                  8 Offline
                  8 Offline
                  89th
                  wrote on 31 Dec 2024, 23:37 last edited by
                  #8

                  @LuFins-Dad said in Direct-to-cell:

                  This is frigging amazing and TIMELY… I’ve been thinking a lot about intercontinental communications with Luke in London this week.

                  It started with Luke being astounded that they wanted $12 per day for an international data plan this week. I laughed and told him it wasn’t too long ago that it was $4 per minute to London, and that when I was his age, it would have cost 20¢ per minute just to call somewhere 90 miles away… Then we decided to just use Facebook Messenger when he’s somewhere with WiFi access for video calls. It hit me just how absurd it is that we can video call for free over the internet, but still have relatively high international calling rates. I think those days are coming to an end, but I don’t think people appreciate just how cheap communications have become over the last 30 years…

                  Good points. I remember when I first went to Europe I called home and didn’t realize until later it cost like $35. Now my brother in Denmark calls me for free via “FaceTime audio”.

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                  31 Dec 2024, 13:33


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