The service could be a game-changer for smartphone users in blackout zones, but details remain unclear.
Google, Nvidia, Ford, Toyota… the autonomous car is already here!
Elon Musk announces free emergency service
Currently, it is not clear when the Direct-to-cell service will be commercially available. However, Elon Musk has already revealed that this offer will include a free service for everyone. In fact, it will be possible to use Starlink satellites for free to contact emergency services from your smartphone, even in dead zones. No subscription will be required.
Elon Musk said that SpaceX Starlink will provide free access to emergency services for mobile phones to people in distress. This service will be available worldwide, subject to government approval. This initiative aims to avoid tragic situations where lives could be lost due to lack of connection or financial means to pay for a service.
Break the stereotypes of smartwatches with the Pebble Classic & Time!
A strong argument to convince the American regulator
Unlike Starlink's current offerings, the Direct-to-Cell service will be rolled out in partnership with carriers. In the United States, Starlink has teamed up with T-Mobile. Some competing carriers are opposed to this rollout, but one of Starlink's arguments to convince the American regulator, the FCC, is that its offer will benefit everyone, even subscribers of other carriers.
SpaceX's recent filing with the FCC reveals that the company has launched 130 satellites capable of delivering 4G from space in the past eight months. By partnering with carriers such as Optus in Australia and Rogers in Canada, Starlink aims to expand this service globally.
The Pilot: an earpiece to translate your conversations in real time
A global initiative to save lives
In addition to the United States, Starlink is working with other carriers in various countries to expand its Direct-to-cell service. This includes partnerships with Optus in Australia, One NZ in New Zealand, and KDDI in Japan. The goal is to make the service available globally, without limiting its use to certain carriers.
Musk has promised that even non-customers of these partner carriers will be able to use the service to contact emergency services in an effort to make the move a model for other tech companies looking to offer free and accessible emergency services.
| Emoji | Summary |
|---|---|
| 🚀 | Starlink Direct-to-cell for 4G in dead zones |
| 📱 | Free service to contact emergency services via smartphone |
| 🌍 | Worldwide availability subject to government approval |
Some key details to remember:
- Starlink Direct-to-cell will be compatible with all 4G smartphones.
- Mobile calls and data will be available from 2025.
- The free emergency service will be accessible even without a subscription.
This initiative by Elon Musk raises many questions. Can we hope to see other companies follow this path and offer free and accessible emergency services to all?
Get IPTV Free Trial Now