103 DtC Starlink satellites now online as satellite-based 4G LTE Internet inches closer to reality

In spite of undisclosed technical issues, Starlink managed to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida on July 3 in what was the 67th successful Falcon 9 launch of 2024. The rocket took 20 Starlink satellites to see the stars; 13 of those are DtC-enabled according to a post published by SpaceX on X. Of the over 6100 Starlink satellites now orbiting the Earth, 103 are Direct to Cell satellites.

Starlink started placing the first satellites of that kind into orbit in January 2024. Direct to Cell is a technology that will eventually allow regular phones to get 4G LTE service by connecting to Starlink satellites rather than a regular cell tower located a couple of miles away. Starlink already proved that the technology works but for now, sending texts is the only thing Direct to Cell is good for with calls and Internet access coming some time in 2025.

For those who don't like the way the standard Starlink cable looks, a fancy blue replacement one (75 ft, Gen 3) is currently available on Amazon.com for $70.