SpaceX launches first set of satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities (updated)

KDDI

03/01/2024 13:39

(Adds background in paragraph 2, details in paragraph 3,4)
       Jan 3 (Reuters) - T-Mobile US  TMUS.O  said on Wednesday
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket on Tuesday with the first set
of Starlink satellites that can beam phone signals from space
directly to smartphones.
    The U.S wireless carrier will use Elon Musk-owned SpaceX's
Starlink satellites to provide mobile users with network access
in parts of the United States, the companies had announced in
August 2022.
    Other wireless providers across the world, including Japan's
KDDI  9433.T , Australia's Optus, New Zealand's One NZ, Canada's
Rogers  RCIb.TO  will collaborate with SpaceX to launch
direct-to-cell technology.
    The direct-to-cell service at first will begin with text
messaging followed by voice and data capabilities in the coming
years, T-Mobile said.
        
  

 (Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna
Chandra Eluri and Shilpi Majumdar)
 ((Akash.Sriram@thomsonreuters.com; On X as @HoodieOnVeshti;
+91-74116-87774;))