Ease of mobile communications is on the rise, argues SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

Connectivity and ease of mobile communications are on the rise as new technologies have introduced direct mobile access to the satellite.

With this,mobile devices including mobile phones and others can now connect and access services directly via satellite.

 Although,the process has been on for nearly a year now but its manifestations came on stream recently when Starlink announced its commercial launch across some regions including sub-Saharan Africa.

  It claimed that prior to this introduction,it had negotiations and signed agreements  with various Mobile Network Operators (MNOS) in countries where its satellites have footprints and coverage.

  As at July 27, 2025, Starlink had launched a total of  661 direct-to-cell satellites, according to a Facebook post by SpaceX. These satellites are specifically designed to connect directly with standard mobile phones without the need for specialized hardware. SpaceX is actively expanding its direct-to-cell constellation, with plans to launch many more satellites in the future. 

  Satellite-to-mobile connectivity allows standard cell phones to connect directly to satellites, enabling communication in areas without traditional cellular coverage. This technology, like Starlink’s “Direct to Cell,” uses satellites equipped with advanced modems to act as cell towers in space, providing access to text, voice, and data services. This can bridge communication gaps in remote areas, during emergencies, and for global connectivity.

   SageNet lists Amazon, Apple, AST SpaceMobile, and Huawei among those developing satellite-to-cellular projects but SpaceX’s Starlink appears to be a leading provider of satellite-to-mobile connectivity, with plans to offer text, voice, and data services globally. 

So far iPhones with Emergency Save Our Souls (SOS) via satellite allow users to connect to emergency services in areas without cellular or Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) coverage.

  Satellites with specialized modems (like Starlink’s eNodeB) act as cell towers in space, receiving and transmitting signals from standard fourth generation (4G) commonly referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE) phones.

 This technology has the potential to disrupt the telecommunications landscape by offering universal mobile connectivity, particularly in areas where traditional networks are limited. 

The benefits include bridging Connectivity Gaps by providing communication in areas lacking traditional cellular infrastructure, such as remote regions, oceans, and during natural disasters.

   Unlike traditional satellite phones, this technology works with existing, unmodified fourth generation (4G) or LTE phones, eliminating the need for specialized equipment or apps.

Besides,Satellites provide services anywhere on Earth, even in remote, rural, or disaster-stricken areas including where traditional cell towers are unavailable.

   To activate the signal on  users mobile phone, they don’t need to do anything. The mobile devices work by automatically searching for Starlink satellites in low orbit and connecting to them to receive satellite internet. In other words, the connection is automatic.

In places where there’s no terrestrial coverage, the phone will connect to the satellite automatically without the user having to take any action. This is especially useful for areas with poor coverage and areas without mobile fiber.

  Although this appears to be a breakthrough, especially with the ability to communicate without antennas,but while on the long term, the economic benefits for the company and Elon Musk’s conglomerate will be incalculable, however in terms of communication, it’s a clear step forward.

Unlike it’s other services that are currently in use in homes and offices with antennas,the connectivity to mobile phones is without antennas but like its other services,the cost of this mobile connection may be prohibitive.

At the moment, Starlink has not named or commented on the cost of acquisition but there are indications that the services will be free where Users will be able to access it as if it were an extra from their telephone company.   “This is already the case in countries like the United States, Canada, and Japan. In order to implement Starlink in different countries around the world, Elon Musk’s company claimed to have signed agreements with mobile operators in those countries.

 “The countries where the services are available are on the map on the official Starlink website indicating which countries already have the network available, which are in development, and which do not have access to it,” the company explained.

   It states further that what users will be able to do include the ability to send and receive text messages (SMS) and share their location. “This is a major advance because, although in wealthier countries, people are accustomed to constant communication, we mustn’t forget that there are areas of the world that are severely isolated. The idea is that, with the passage of time and further improvement of this technology, people will be able to start making calls and have access to more options through Starlink.”

  The purpose of direct satellite communication is primarily to provide services in under served and unserved regions of the world.This is perhaps one way to take services to the people who are offline because of lack of internet connectivity.

By the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) calculations,a third of the global population (2.6billion) people are not connected.

Aragba-Akpore is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board 

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