SpaceX Demos Cellular Starlink Tech Powering Video Call Between Phones
SpaceX's Starlink Powers Phone Call: Fair or Foul?
SpaceX successfully demonstrated its cellular Starlink technology by conducting a video call using unmodified mobile phones connected to its satellites. The test, held at SpaceX's Redmond offices, showcased the potential for remote connectivity despite some graininess in the video quality. The company plans to offer this service to T-Mobile customers later in the year, pending FCC approval, despite concerns from competitor Omnispace about potential radio interference.
What specific technology did SpaceX demonstrate using the Starlink system in a recent video posted on Twitter/X?
SpaceX demonstrated the Starlink system's capability to make a video call using unmodified mobile phones connected to Starlink Direct to Cell satellites2. This milestone showcases the potential of the technology to provide cellular connectivity in remote regions where traditional cell towers are not available. The video call was conducted between two smartphones, one connected to the Starlink satellite network and the other to a traditional cellular network2.
Where did the demonstration of SpaceX's Starlink video call take place?
The demonstration of SpaceX's Starlink video call took place at the company's offices in Redmond, Washington4. An employee connected their smartphone to SpaceX's cellular Starlink satellites, which were orbiting the planet hundreds of kilometers away4. Despite the distance, the smartphone was able to establish a connection and access the video call feature4.