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I know this says it will work on existing phones without modification, but will it work with all existing LTE phones, or just the ones with a new-enough modem?

I know this says it will work on existing phones without modification, but will it work with all existing LTE phones, or just the ones with a new-enough modem? For example, the Pixel 9 has a Exynos 5400 modem, which advertises satellite connectivity as one of its features. The upcoming Pixel 9a will use the older Exynos 5300, which does not have that same satellite feature. It's not clear (to me) whether the newer modem's satellite feature refers to this or something else. Will the Pixel 9a be able to use this Starlink service once both are available to the general public?

bangaladore 2y ago
I thought that "modem's satellite feature" is usually the Apple-like emergency SOS which requires special hardware to literally contact a satellite. This is not that, this is seemingly LTE via satellite. I assume via some beamforming higher power signals, but I could be very wrong. Edit: From SpaceX [1] In addition to expanding mobile coverage, Direct to Cell will enable ubiquitous Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity outside of terrestrial coverage, connecting millions of devices across critical global industries. • No specialized or additional hardware required • Compatible with off-the-shelf CAT-1, CAT-1 Bis, and CAT-4 modems* • Plans available via our global partners in approved countries starting in 2025 [1] https://www.starlink.com/business/direct-to-cell https://www.starlink.com/business/direct-to-cell
- wongarsu 2y ago
  It's not as crazy as it first sounds. In the lower frequency bands assigned to LTE and 5G (600/700/850MHz) that are meant for rural base stations are essentially limited by line of sight when talking about traditional base stations. A 100m/300ft radio tower can see about 40km, just one order of magnitude less than the distance to a Starlink satellite. We know phones can reach base stations at least twice as far away as our theoretical 100m tower because of quotes about the ranges of base stations on mountains. The rest they likely make up with better beam forming and relative lack of reflections when communicating with a satellite overhead
  - ant6n 2y ago
    Also, the effects of atmosphere reduce after the first 20km or so.
lxgr 2y ago
Yes, it'll be regular LTE phones, no satellite functionality needed. What the Pixel uses is 5G NTN, powered by Skylo, I believe – that's a satellite-specific stack, but if you were to use a Pixel on T-Mobile via Starlink, that would be the regular LTE stack it also contains.

bangaladore 2y ago

I thought that "modem's satellite feature" is usually the Apple-like emergency SOS which requires special hardware to literally contact a satellite. This is not that, this is seemingly LTE via satellite. I assume via some beamforming higher power signals, but I could be very wrong. Edit: From SpaceX [1] In addition to expanding mobile coverage, Direct to Cell will enable ubiquitous Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity outside of terrestrial coverage, connecting millions of devices across critical global industries. • No specialized or additional hardware required • Compatible with off-the-shelf CAT-1, CAT-1 Bis, and CAT-4 modems* • Plans available via our global partners in approved countries starting in 2025 [1] https://www.starlink.com/business/direct-to-cell https://www.starlink.com/business/direct-to-cell

wongarsu 2y ago
It's not as crazy as it first sounds. In the lower frequency bands assigned to LTE and 5G (600/700/850MHz) that are meant for rural base stations are essentially limited by line of sight when talking about traditional base stations. A 100m/300ft radio tower can see about 40km, just one order of magnitude less than the distance to a Starlink satellite. We know phones can reach base stations at least twice as far away as our theoretical 100m tower because of quotes about the ranges of base stations on mountains. The rest they likely make up with better beam forming and relative lack of reflections when communicating with a satellite overhead
- ant6n 2y ago
  Also, the effects of atmosphere reduce after the first 20km or so.

lxgr 2y ago

Yes, it'll be regular LTE phones, no satellite functionality needed. What the Pixel uses is 5G NTN, powered by Skylo, I believe – that's a satellite-specific stack, but if you were to use a Pixel on T-Mobile via Starlink, that would be the regular LTE stack it also contains.