Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has confirmed that Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite service will enter its beta testing phase on 27 January. 

The announcement was made on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Musk responded to a post by Mario Nawfal, founder of IBC Group. Citing NASA Space Flight, Nawfal wrote on X, "SpaceX is testing a game-changing Starlink upgrade: Direct-to-Cell satellites that connect mobile phones to cellular service anywhere on Earth—even in the middle of nowhere. These satellites act as 'cell towers in space,' letting you text, call, or browse without needing a signal from ground towers. No new phone or hardware required! The beta starts Jan. 27 and aims to eliminate dead zones worldwide, making it possible to call for help, no matter where you are."  

Musk confirmed the details on X, stating, "Starlink direct from satellite to cell phone Internet connection starts beta test in 3 days." This beta phase represents a significant milestone in SpaceX's broader mission to expand Starlink's capabilities and address longstanding connectivity issues in rural and underserved areas.

The direct-to-cell service operates by linking standard mobile phones directly to satellites in orbit. This approach bypasses the need for traditional ground-based cell towers by using the larger Starlink constellation to provide uninterrupted global coverage. By eliminating reliance on traditional cellular infrastructure, the service could prove invaluable in emergencies, where traditional networks are unavailable or overwhelmed.

Previously, Starlink signed an agreement with Ukraine's mobile operator Kyivstar to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity.