SpaceX is officially bringing its Starlink Direct-to-Cell service, targeting a major satellite development in 2027. While the company initially teased the concept in 2024, the concrete timeline was unknown until recently, during MWC 2026, where it targets broader expansion of its network, potentially arriving in countries such as India.
Starlink could be launching in India next year
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress event, SpaceX's VP of Starlink Engineering, Michael Nicolls, confirmed Direct-to-Cell is soon arriving globally. He added that the launch phase will kick off in mid-2027, and to get it off the ground, the brand will send roughly 1,200 next-generation satellites into low-earth orbit.
SpaceX expects to make satellite connectivity feel completely indistinguishable from using a regular, ground-based cell tower. Once fully deployed, anyone with a smartphone can connect to space for calling, texting and mobile data.
The Elon Musk-owned brand is yet to officially roll out Starlink to the masses in India, although this information could mean that the brand could launch both its internet services and Direct-to-Cell in India at the same time. For those unaware, there's no need for satellite connectivity found in smartphones like the Pixel 10 or the iPhone 17 to use Starlink's Direct-to-Cell service.
SpaceX already dominates the orbital landscape with over 9,000 satellites. About 600 of those currently carry early version of the direct-to-cell hardware. However, the massive 2027 expansion could mark SpaceX's entry into the mass cellular business alongside providing seamless internet services.
Besides the 1,200 satellites, the brand will eventually launch over 15,000 satellites for better connectivity to compete with mobile carriers. More information about Starlink and its Direct-to-Cell service should be unveiled as we inch closer to the projected 2027 launch, so stay tuned.
