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Starlink Services for Direct Mobile Internet Connection Launched

Jan 23, 2026 January 23, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

SpaceX has launched satellites that allow mobile phones to connect directly to Starlink's internet service without additional equipment. This development could significantly increase internet access globally, particularly in areas with limited connectivity. The expansion of Starlink's services is notable as it reflects the company's growing influence in the telecommunications sector.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: SpaceX's new satellite capabilities could revolutionize internet access globally, with significant implications for countries like Iran.

👥 Key Players

Elon Musk MENTIONED
CEO of SpaceX
"Musk's innovations in satellite technology could significantly enhance global internet access, impacting countries like Iran where connectivity is often limited."
SpaceX MENTIONED
Private aerospace manufacturer and satellite communications company
"SpaceX is a leader in satellite internet technology, which can transform communication infrastructures, especially in regions with poor connectivity."

📰 What Happened

SpaceX has launched new satellites that enable mobile phones to connect directly to its Starlink internet service without needing extra equipment. This development aims to enhance global internet access, particularly in underserved areas.

  • SpaceX has launched 12 new satellites equipped with 'Direct to cell' technology.
  • Starlink's user base has grown from 2.3 million to 4 million in a short period.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Improved internet access could empower Iranian citizens by facilitating communication and access to information, potentially challenging state control over information.
🌍 Regional: Enhanced connectivity could benefit neighboring countries with similar connectivity issues, fostering regional communication and economic development.
🌐 International: This development may shift the dynamics of global telecommunications, challenging traditional providers and increasing competition in the market.

📚 Background

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation that aims to provide high-speed internet to underserved areas worldwide. The technology allows users to connect directly via mobile devices, bypassing traditional infrastructure.

Satellite internet technology Global telecommunications market
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information comes from a tech-focused announcement and is generally reliable, though it may lack critical perspectives on the implications of such technology.

The company "SpaceX," owned by Elon Musk, has announced that it has launched enough satellites capable of providing direct internet services to mobile phones into space, eliminating the need for additional equipment to connect to the internet. On Tuesday, December 6, the tech giant announced that advanced satellites providing "Direct to cell" services with the capability of 4G network service have been sent into Earth's orbit, but the first commercial products of this service will not be operational until final legal approval is received. Elon Musk also tweeted that mobile phones no longer require additional equipment to connect to Starlink internet. Currently, 6,740 Starlink satellites of various types are active, mainly at altitudes of 500 to 600 kilometers, but yesterday, SpaceX sent 12 more satellites equipped with "Direct to cell" technology into orbit, bringing the number of such satellites in low Earth orbit to 322. This number of satellites is considered the minimum necessary to achieve global commercial coverage for direct mobile service in its simplest form (sending SMS), but Starlink plans to place an additional 7,500 satellites equipped with "Direct to cell" technology in low Earth orbit at altitudes of 340 to 345 kilometers. SpaceX plans to launch an initial set of hundreds of Starlink satellites with "Direct to cell" capability by the end of 2024 to support a simple SMS service for smartphones, with support for voice calls, data (mobile internet), and other services to be added in 2025. By the end of 2023, about 2.3 million people worldwide were using Starlink internet services, but this number has now reached 4 million. Starlink's revenue has also increased fivefold over the past two years, reaching $6.6 billion.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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