On Monday, January 27th, Starlink started beta testing its direct-to-mobile service, a project that has the potential to revolutionize the worldwide telecom sector.

Users in even the most remote locations can make phone calls and access broadband internet services from the sky thanks to direct-to-mobile connectivity, which enables satellites to function as cellular towers in space. “Starlink direct from satellite to cellphone internet connection starts beta test in 3 days,” Musk said in an X post on FridayJanuary 24.

In 2024, SpaceX prepared its constellation for a direct-to-mobile offering by launching several of its low-Earth orbit satellites. For instance, SpaceX has direct-to-mobile capability on 13 of the 20 satellites it put into orbit in June 2024.

Thirteen of the 20 additional satellites that were deployed to the constellation ten days later could also establish direct connections with mobile phones. Satellites with direct-to-mobile compatibility, according to Starlink, which is still unavailable in South Africa, include a sophisticated eNodeB modem that functions as a cellular tower in orbit, enabling network integration in a manner akin to how a typical roaming partner would connect to a cellular network.

Direct-to-mobile technology is still in its early phases and will address low-bandwidth use cases such as emergency text messaging.

As the technology advances, higher-bandwidth applications like voice and video calling are anticipated to follow.

Speaking to journalists last Novem­ber, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita said MTN was “very aware” of the challenges of having to compete as a fixed and wireless operator with LEO satellites. “LEO operators should be treat­ed the same as terrestrial operators such as ourselves: [they should be] subjected to the same regulatory re­quirements, whether it’s around data privacy, data transport, localisation or access to spectrum,” Mupita said. “Our ask is that there should just be a level playing ground.”