Starlink to start direct-to-phone testing of satellite internet services

While its registration in Pakistan continues to manoeuvre regulatory and political challenges, SpaceX's Starlink has geared up to kick off the beta testing of its Direct-to-Cell (DTC) satellites. 

Once tested and rolled out in a full-fledged manner, the Elon Musk-owned satellite internet provider will enable its internet services directly from smartphones anywhere in the world. 

This remarkable feat comes to compliment the company providing high-speed internet to over 4.6 million internet users across 118 countries by deploying a massive constellation of around 7,000 satellites, according to The Express Tribune. 

Since its inception in 2019, Starlink has been an unchallenged contender in the realm of internet services globally, whose data speeds surpass that of conventional geostationary satellites by a significant margin. 

The company's low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites operate at altitudes of around 550 kilometres, providing reliable, cordless and strong internet connection to remote and underserved areas, and regions with no cell towers. 

Once launched, Starlink's DTC technology would enable communications like phone calls, text messages, and data transmission in even the most alienated places around the world.