How cool is that?
I was on the waiting list for Musk's new Sat phone, but it now looks like they will be launching a system that works with all cell phones soon.
They'll start with a broad band that only covers emergency text without cell service, and broaden it for eventual full on cell service planetwide.
Fuckin Musk is amazing!

SpaceX launches first batch of direct-to-cell Starlink satellites for testing this year



SpaceX launched its first batch of Starlink satellites that will be able to connect directly to cell phones ahead of planned testing later this year.

The company launched six Starlink satellites with this capability with a batch of 15 other Starlink birds aboard a Falcon 9 rocket late last night. SpaceX obtained approval from U.S. regulators last month to test the satellites in partnership with T-Mobile. SpaceX has a number of other partnerships with native telecom companies in countries including Australia, Canada and Japan.

The approval, which was granted by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, was for a 180-day period. SpaceX said the tests would eventually involve 840 satellites transmitting 4G connectivity to around 2,000 unmodified smartphones. The satellites will act as "cell phone towers in space," according to Starlink's website.

The website estimates that texting will become available this year, with voice and data services starting in 2025 and connection for Internet of Things devices also in 2025, though SpaceX will need to get regulatory approval before commencing commercial service.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/03/spacex-launches-first-batch-of-direct-to-cell-starlink-satellites-for-testing-this-year/