Starlink’s direct-to-cell service will not be available in Canada until late 2025, according to recent updates from Elon Musk and SpaceX officials.
Musk confirmed on August 31 that Starlink’s mobile phone internet service will first roll out exclusively with T-Mobile in the United States for the initial year, followed by partnerships with other carriers worldwide.
Direct to Cell is pegged to launch later in 2024, so that means either September, October, November or December. One year later means around late 2025, opening the door to more first carrier partners, such as Rogers in Canada.
“We are starting off working with one carrier in each country, but ultimately hope to serve all carriers,” Musk stated, outlining that after T-Mobile in the U.S., the service will expand to other global partners including Optus in Australia, One NZ in New Zealand, KDDI in Japan, Salt in Switzerland, and Entel in Chile and Peru.
The line about the hope to serve all carriers means these Direct to Cell partnerships are not exclusive, and Telus and Bell could also join in.
SpaceX’s Senior Director of Satellite Engineering, Ben Longmier, also announced on August 31 that SpaceX’s Direct to Cell program had a major boost with the launch of 26 additional satellites, raising the total to 168 satellites.
“T-Mobile will have no more dead zones in the U.S. later this year,” Longmier noted, highlighting the program’s progress towards eliminating connectivity gaps in the U.S. before expanding internationally.
Last week, Musk also said Starlink cell coverage would be offered for free “for mobile phones for people in distress,” saying it applies “worldwide, subject to approval by country governments.” All you would need is a cellphone with LTE and you’ll be able to get voice and data access.
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With Rogers and Bell and Telus's conspired oligopoly price gouging, it should be unaffordable to the vast majority of people in Canada other than the wealthy.
Ok boomer…
Especially Robbers. Once you sign up with Robbers and you want to cancel, good luck. Phone calls conveniently get dropped.