Starlink Provides Internet to Areas with Difficult Internet Access
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Elon Musk, CEO of electric car company Tesla and private space company SpaceX, revealed that he is in talks with Apple to connect internet services to the iPhone using a space network.
On the 8th (local time), Musk tweeted, "We have had some possible conversations with Apple about Starlink connectivity," adding, "The iPhone team is very smart."
This meeting is analyzed as an effort to find ways to enhance the emergency SOS feature introduced in the iPhone 14, released by Apple on the 7th, by linking it with SpaceX's Starlink satellite service.
Earlier, Musk announced plans for a wireless communication service partnership using SpaceX's Starlink satellites with T-Mobile, a major U.S. wireless carrier. T-Mobile could reduce the burden of expanding base stations for users in mountainous and remote areas, while SpaceX could expand the user base of Starlink, making it a win-win situation.
According to Musk's remarks, it is interpreted that SpaceX's Starlink will be used for this service. The service is expected to be available in the U.S. and Canada starting in November.
Starlink is SpaceX's space internet network that provides internet to remote areas of the world where internet service is difficult to access. It is also known to have provided service to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February.
Apple has already announced that it invested $450 million in satellite infrastructure to support emergency services for iPhone 14 users in the U.S. and Canada.
To this end, Apple selected Globalstar, a satellite service specialist company. Of course, the possibility remains open that Apple may adopt a new type of service linked with Starlink.
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