Salt: Swiss provider is the first in Europe to test text messaging via Starlink
SpaceX's Starlink has by far the most extensive network of internet satellites. Now a Swiss provider has also sent a text message about it.
The first SMS messages exchanged with Salt via Starlink
(Image: Salt/Sarah Deniau)
The Swiss mobile phone provider Salt claims to be the first mobile phone provider in Europe to test sending a text message directly from a smartphone via Starlink satellites. The short message "Hello Salt, SpaceX here." symbolically demonstrated the functionality of satellite-based communication, according to the press release. An attached photo shows that further short texts – including emojis – were exchanged afterwards. The provider speaks of a breakthrough that demonstrates the potential of the technology for mobile coverage in remote or hard-to-reach regions. T-Mobile plans to offer Direct-To-Cell technology commercially in the USA soon.
"Milestone for Switzerland and Europe"
By connecting smartphones directly via Starlink satellites instead of via the terrestrial mobile network, it is possible to close dead spots and be helpful in the event of a crisis or disaster, Salt explains. Neither a special device nor an additional app is required to connect to the satellites. The first test only involved text messaging; voice and data services are to be tested in the next phase. Nevertheless, this is a "significant milestone – not only for Salt, but for the entire telecommunications industry in Switzerland and Europe," says CEO Max Nunziata.
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The direct connection of smartphones to satellites is currently regarded as the best way to close dead spots and provide coverage in remote regions. The Starlink network of the US space company SpaceX is by far the most advanced in this respect. T-Mobile started a beta test for this in the USA in the spring, and soon everyone will be able to book the additional function. In Germany, on the other hand, Telekom does not want to rely on Starlink but is looking at other options. This also has to do with the completely different circumstances here, where there are many and smaller states. Back in March, the provider was the first in Europe to receive and send text messages via a geostationary satellite using a standard smartphone.
(mho)
