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SpaceX and T-Mobile want to end the “white zones” thanks to satellites

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The service will “save lives,” said billionaire Elon Musk, taking the example of lost hikers who are currently unable to call for help.

SpaceX satellites will connect directly to T-Mobile phones to bring the telephone network to the most isolated places, beyond the reach of repeater antennas, the firm of Elon Musk and the German telecommunications giant announced Thursday.

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The new service, which will use SpaceX’s thousands of Starlink satellites already in orbit and work on existing phones, will start by enabling text messages and reception starting in late 2023, with voice services expected to follow. .

“A Cell Tower in the Sky”

Although satellite Internet access has been around for several years, users today require specialized equipment, such as Starlink terminals.

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The service “won’t have the kind of bandwidth that a Starlink terminal would have, but it will allow texting, pictures, and if there aren’t too many people in the mobile area, maybe even some video,” Elon Musk said. he said.

T-Mobile boss Mike Sievert said he expects the service to be included for free on most current subscription plans, but there may be a user surcharge on lower-cost subscriptions.

The service will initially be offered to US customers, but T-Mobile is expected to expand to other markets in the future, Mike Sievert said. “It’s like putting a repeater antenna in the sky. But much more complicated, ”he explained as well.

Author: GA with AFP
Source: BFM TV

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