SpaceX has added Kyivstar to the list of operators with which Starlink Mobile will work, and is preparing to launch V2 generation satellites. They should provide full cellular communication directly from regular LTE smartphones without additional equipment in places without base stations.
SpaceX has added Kyivstar to the list of operators with which Starlink Mobile will work, and is preparing to launch V2 generation satellites. They should provide full cellular communication directly from regular LTE smartphones without additional equipment in places without base stations.
According to «Mezhy» with reference to SpaceX, the V2 platform is focused not only on SMS or basic data transfer, but also on voice calls, video calls, streaming and application work. The satellite actually works as a «tower in space» and connects to operator networks on a roaming basis, and the smartphone should continuously switch between satellite and terrestrial communication without losing connection.
SpaceX says the V2 will feature new phased array antennas and specialized chips that will allow the spacecraft to form thousands of beams of communication simultaneously and provide about 20 times more bandwidth than earlier Direct-to-Cell solutions. In most scenarios, the company promises quality close to terrestrial networks, including 5G service levels. The partner network also includes operators such as T-Mobile, Rogers, KDDI, Telstra and Optus, and SpaceX says the list will expand.
In Ukraine, Kyivstar has already opened testing of Direct-to-Cell in the format of satellite messages, and the operator previously announced the expansion to voice and data transmission for 2026. Current Starlink devices with Direct-to-Cell support SpaceX launched Falcon 9, while the new generation is planned to be launched Starship. After deployment, the satellites will be connected by laser channels for global coverage.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how the space company SpaceX filed documents with the US Patent and Trademark Office to register the Starlink Mobile brand. The new trademark includes two-way voice, audio, video, and data transmission services via satellite and wireless communication.
