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A comment on SpaceX Has Launched Starlink's First Direct-to-Smartphone Satellites.

Re:SpaceX Has Launched Starlink's First Direct-to-Smartphone... by teleforce on Sunday January 07, 2024 @07:23AM (#38900655)
Apparently it does not support the non-terrestrial networks (NTN) 5G standards [1],[2]. Perhaps it is not a bad thing since 5G phones with NTN capability are just being released but this will make it not future proof. Since it is not Starlink main business of providing satellite cellular services, it should be fine.

[1] Starlink indicates its satellite-to-phone service will drop next year:

https://www.telecoms.com/telecoms-infrastructure/starlink-in...

[2] Connecting the world with 5G NTN:

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/se/solutions/test-and-measurem...

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:SpaceX Has Launched Starlink's First Direct-to-Smartphone... by dotnet00 on Sunday January 07, 2024 @01:11PM (#38903534)
With the way the constellation works (needing regular replenishment of satellites as they deorbit every 5 years or so), not currently supporting NTN isn't a big deal. If it sufficiently catches on, the satellites being launched will be given the necessary upgrades and over time the entire constellation will end up with the necessary upgrades.
[ Parent | on HN ]