SpaceX successfully deployed its Falcon 9 rocket on January 3, placing Starlink satellites into orbit. These satellites are designed to directly enhance smartphone connectivity— a strategic move by the company to expand global coverage and address connectivity gaps.
Entel Chile became the first developing market operator to adopt Starlink, followed by T-Mobile US, Rogers Communications, Optus, KDDI, One, and Salt Mobile. Starlink plans to offer SMS messaging in 2024 and full voice and data services by 2025.
Currently connecting 2.3 million people in 70 countries, Starlink has over 4,000 satellites in orbit and envisions a constellation of 42,000 in the future.
