The first satellites equipped with the Direct to Cell function have been launched, laying the foundation for satellite telephone connections for Salt subscribers in Switzerland
After announcing a groundbreaking agreement with SpaceX in March 2023 to provide continuous network coverage through satellite technology, Salt is proud to announce that SpaceX launched the first Starlink satellites equipped with the Direct to Cell function on January 3. This inaugural launch will allow for ground-level testing on American soil.
This represents an important milestone that allows us to bridge the digital divide and provide access to the mobile network to people living in the most difficult to reach areas in Switzerland, as well as in the countries of participating operators.
By late 2024, subscribers will be able to stay connected and share their experiences virtually anywhere through text messaging.
In March 2023, Salt was the first operator in Europe to announce a collaboration with SpaceX to provide its customers with coverage throughout Switzerland. Today’s successful launch by SpaceX of the first Starlink satellites equipped with the Direct to Cell function is the first step on a path that will allow Salt to offer its customers uninterrupted use, back-up coverage and the ability to connect roaming abroad via satellite, using the networks of participating operators when the terrestrial connection is not available. Customers will be able to use the service without additional tools and without changing devices, as long as they are compatible with 4G.
By combining SpaceX’s Starlink satellite technology with Salt’s world-class network, the two companies will provide mobile access that overcomes the limitations of traditional cellular networks, extending coverage to remote and currently underserved areas and solving coverage issues related to the complexity of territory and topography of Switzerland which includes mountains, valleys and rural areas. Ahead of the planned launch in Switzerland in 2024, Salt has started a close collaboration with supervisory authorities in Switzerland and neighboring countries.
First satellite messages available for Salt customers in 2024
These first Direct to Cell satellites and all those that follow will allow the first tests for sending text messages in real time in the United States. As previously announced, in late 2024, Salt customers will be able to stay connected and share their experiences virtually anywhere through text messaging. The service will be extended to voice and data coverage in 2025. This will allow users to enjoy total coverage throughout Switzerland, providing a life-saving connection in case of emergency and back-up connectivity in case of power failure, for example.
Satellite technology is a complementary solution to the traditional network, not an alternative or replacement solution. The services will be made available to Salt customers following approval by the Swiss supervisory authorities. Ahead of the planned launch in Switzerland in 2024, Salt has started working with supervisory authorities in Switzerland and neighboring countries.
The costs of the Direct to Cell service for customers
The service will be free for those who have subscribed to a Salt premium offer, both for private and professional customers. For other subscriptions, the service will be available as an additional option at an affordable price.
Credit SpaceX – editorial use via SALT press office
Max NunziataCEO of Salt, commented “At Salt, our commitment to providing our customers with unprecedented technologies and innovations is unconditional. This day marks an important milestone as SpaceX succeeded in launching its first Direct to Cell satellites, the first step in a transformational journey. This cutting-edge technology lays the foundation for telecommunications operators to offer their customers a seamless network experience, overcoming geographical boundaries and guaranteeing access to a connection everywhere.”
About Direct to Cell by Starlink
Starlink is the world‘s most advanced satellite constellation using low-Earth orbit. It is currently deploying its Direct to Cell satellites on a large scale. A growing number of telecom operators around the world are already collaborating with Starlink to deliver text, voice and data messages wherever their subscribers can see the sky, all over the globe. The Direct to Cell feature is based on existing phones and IoT devices with common LTE standards and requires no hardware or firmware changes