Starlink Direct to Cell constellation grows 10x since the first launch 

01/01/2025 02:09 AM

Starlink’s official X account recently announced that its constellation has grown 10x its size since its first SpaceX launch in 2024. 

"SpaceX's first launch of 2024 deployed our first set of Starlink sats with the Direct to Cell capability to help end cellphone dead zones. Today, the Direct to Cell constellation is nearly 10x the size of all other operators pursuing a similar combined capability," an X post said.

Starlink Direct to Cell received a US commercial license from the United States Federal Communication Commission (FCC) in November. However, the Starlink cellular network proved its mettle way before receiving its FCC license. 

Thanks to temporary approval, Starlink Direct to Cell was briefly allowed to offer its services to states hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A SpaceX report stated that 270,000 mobile phones connected to Starlink Direct to Cell on the first day of service in states impacted by the hurricanes. 

Starlink Direct to Cell currently partners with T-Mobile. SpaceX aims to work with at least one mobile carrier in each country in the future. It also hopes to expand its partnerships with more carriers in the United States.

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