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Starlink and AST SpaceMobile expand direct-to-cell connectivity
Satellite-to-smartphone technology is expanding through new commercial deployments and service targets. In Africa, Airtel Africa has launched Starlink Mobile in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This service allows customers with compatible LTE Android phones to access SMS and light-data applications, such as WhatsApp, without the need for a traditional Starlink satellite dish or specialized hardware.
In the United States, US Mobile has announced plans to integrate direct-to-cell coverage into its Warp network during the fourth quarter. This service will be powered by AST SpaceMobile, which recently confirmed the successful deployment of solar arrays on its BlueBirds 12 and 13 satellites. These satellites are capable of supporting speeds of approximately 200 Mbps. US Mobile is also targeting the launch of Starlink Direct to Cell by the end of Q4 to provide an additional coverage layer for users moving beyond terrestrial cellular limits.
Entities
AST SpaceMobile · Airtel Africa · Democratic Republic of Congo · Starlink · US Mobile
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] US Mobile plans to introduce AST SpaceMobile-powered direct-to-cell coverage on its Warp network in Q4. newsable.asianetnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] AST SpaceMobile successfully deployed the solar arrays on its BlueBirds 12 and 13 satellites. www.advanced-television.com · newsable.asianetnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] US Mobile is targeting Starlink Direct to Cell for late Q4. newsable.asianetnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Starlink Mobile allows compatible LTE Android phones to send SMS and use light-data applications without a satellite dish. www.topafricanews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Airtel Africa launched Starlink Mobile in the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 14. www.topafricanews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The BlueBirds 12 and 13 satellites can support speeds of approximately 200 Mbps. newsable.asianetnews.com