Starlink satellite communications may soon be available on smartphones. This is a Direct to Cell service that will allow you to exchange files, text and voice messages via a satellite connection, reports The Register.

The service is scheduled to launch in 2024. First, users will be able to send text messages. And starting in 2025, they are expected to be able to send file and voice information.

The service will enable the transmission of 4G LTE communication signals from satellites to ordinary smartphones. The Verge reports that information about Direct to Cell is already available in a special section on SpaceX’s website.

“Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data,” says the service description.

As you know, plans to launch the service were announced last year. At that time, it was expected to be launched in 2023 in partnership with T-Mobile.

Now, in addition to T-Mobile, the company is working with Rogers in Canada, Optus in Australia, One NZ in New Zealand, Salt in Switzerland, and KDDI in Japan.