Starlink launched its highly anticipated direct-to-smartphone satellite service, yesterday, January 2, 2024.

The parent company, SpaceX announced the launch of the satellites via a post on its X handle today. 

SpaceX successfully launched its inaugural batch of satellites designed for direct-to-smartphone connectivity by a Falcon 9 rocket, lifting off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. 

Starlink had announced its planned launch in October  last year, and expects subscribers to start with texts this year, while voice and data connectivity will start in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and successful tests with partner mobile operators such as T-Mobile (US), Optus (Australia), Rogers (Canada), Entel (Chile), KDDI (Japan), One NZ (New Zealand), and Salt (Switzerland). Africa’s MTN Group announced it is exploring partnerships with Starlink to expand its services to unserved areas across its operating markets.

During the launch broadcast, Kate Tice, SpaceX’s Senior Manager for Quality Systems Engineering, mentioned that the brightness of the direct-to-cell satellites will be addressed in consultation with astronomers to minimize interference. SpaceX had unveiled its plans for direct-to-cell satellites in November 2023, outlining its intent to deploy 840 satellites within the next six months. However, these ambitions faced opposition from AT&T and the Rural Wireless Association, both seeking to impede testing approvals, citing concerns about potential impacts on their 5G rollouts.