Starlink Satellites can Communicate Directly with Cell Phones

Yes, Starlink satellites can communicate directly with cell phones. They have a Direct to Cell capability that enables ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever there is a clear view of the sky. This service works with existing LTE phones, and no changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data[1][3]. The Direct to Cell capability is achieved through an advanced eNodeB modem onboard the satellites, which acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner[1]. The service is expected to launch in 2024, initially offering texting services, with voice and data functionality to follow in 2025[3]. The technical implementation involves putting a variation of a cell tower in space that uses the midband frequencies of 5G to communicate[4].

Mobile devices are designed to support a variety of frequency bands in order to operate on different cellular networks and in different regions around the world. In the United States, the major wireless carriers – AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint – utilize a combination of these frequency bands to deliver nationwide 4G LTE coverage to their customers.

Starlink has partnered with several telecom operators globally, including T-Mobile (US), Optus (Australia), Rogers (Canada), One NZ (New Zealand), KDDI (Japan), and Salt (Switzerland), to integrate its satellite system with their mobile networks.[6][8][9]

However, the Direct to Cell service is expected to provide relatively lower data speeds compared to existing terrestrial cellular networks, with initial estimates of around 7Mbps per beam.[10] It is primarily aimed at providing basic connectivity in remote areas without cellular coverage.[10]

According to the search results, the eNodeB modem onboard the Starlink satellites operates in the following frequency bands for 4G LTE communication:

• Band 1 (2100 MHz): Uplink: 1920-1980 MHz; Downlink: 2110-2170 MHz
• Band 2 (1900 MHz PCS): Uplink: 1850-1910 MHz; Downlink: 1930-1990 MHz
• Band 3 (1800 MHz DCS): Uplink: 1710-1785 MHz; Downlink: 1805-1880 MHz
• Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz AWS-1): Uplink: 1710-1755 MHz; Downlink: 2110-2155 MHz[11][12]
• … and more. There are numerous LTE bands.

The search results do not provide specific information on the power levels used by the eNodeB modem. However, they mention that the power and intensity of the radiation from space-based systems like Starlink’s may differ from traditional terrestrial cell towers, and there are concerns that they could operate at higher intensities to ensure consistent connection through the atmosphere.[11][12]

Potential Concerns and Unintended Consequences of Space-Based Cellular Systems

Here are some key concerns and potential unintended consequences to consider regarding space-based cellular systems:

Increased and Constant Exposure

Unlike terrestrial cell towers where people can move out of range or have intermittent exposure, space-based systems could provide more consistent and ubiquitous coverage, leading to potentially constant exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR).

Intensity and Power Differences

The power and intensity of the radiation from space-based systems may differ from traditional cell towers. If they operate at higher intensities to ensure consistent connection through the atmosphere, this could alter the exposure dynamics and potential health impacts.

Outdated Safety Guidelines

The FCC’s current cell phone safety guidelines may be outdated, as they are primarily based on thermal effects and may not account for the non-thermal biological effects that newer research suggests could be hazardous.

Lack of Escape

For those concerned about RFR exposure, it is already challenging to avoid given the ubiquity of wireless technologies. Adding space-based systems could make it nearly impossible to find places free from RFR exposure.

Environmental Impacts

Launching more satellites and systems into space has environmental and astronomical consequences, such as space debris, light pollution, and energy consumption, which could have unintended negative effects on the environment.

Potential Synergistic Effects

The combined exposure from terrestrial and space-based systems, Wi-Fi, and other sources of RFR might have effects that are not yet fully understood. Studying the impact of a single source of RFR may not capture the complexity of multiple, overlapping exposures.

Long-term Consequences

The studies mentioned focus on the impacts of older 2G and 3G technologies. As we move towards 5G and beyond, the frequencies and characteristics of RFR will change, and the long-term health implications of these newer technologies are still under investigation.

In summary, the potential concerns and unintended consequences of space-based cellular systems highlight the need for thorough research, updated safety guidelines, and a comprehensive understanding of the cumulative effects of RFR exposure from multiple sources.

Citations:

^{[1] https://direct.starlink.com
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-14/spacex-gets-us-approval-to-begin-testing-direct-to-cell-service
[3] https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/12/23914081/spacex-starlink-direct-to-cell-satellite-internet-lte-connectivity
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink/comments/130wr6x/how_does_the_starlink_to_mobile_phones_connection/
[5] https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/12/starlink_promotes_direct_to_cell_service_2024/
[6] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/et-explains/et-explainer-what-is-starlinks-direct-to-cell-technology-does-it-work-with-existing-handsets/articleshow/106542052.cms
[7] https://techblog.comsoc.org/2023/10/13/starlinks-direct-to-cell-service-for-existing-lte-phones-wherever-you-can-see-the-sky/
[8] https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/portal-in-portal/satcom/elon-musks-starlink-to-start-offering-direct-to-handset-services-from-2024/104399511
[9] https://insidetowers.com/starlink-sets-timeline-for-direct-satellite-to-cell-service/
[10] https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2024/01/starlink-successfully-tests-space-direct-to-cell-mobile-service.html
[11] https://www.rfsafe.com/cell-towers-in-space-spacexs-starlink-direct-to-cell/
[12] https://www.rfsafe.com/the-enodeb-modem-a-space-borne-cell-tower/
[13] https://data.kemt.fei.tuke.sk/DigitalnaTelevizia/prednasky/Prednaska_DTV_7_11_17/eBooks%20%2812-03-2015%29/adn8c.Innovations.in.Satellite.Communication.and.Satellite.Technology.pdf
[14] https://drrajivdesaimd.com/2019/12/01/5g/
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5492363/}