Chinese LEO satellite operator Spacesail has successfully completed the country's first direct-to-cell voice calls using unmodified commercial smartphones, with voice quality matching terrestrial 5G networks.

The test was made possible by the Spacesail DTC 01, a dedicated trial satellite launched earlier this month. The company's earlier 200-plus satellites, launched since the constellation's formal inception in 2021, were designed for broadband coverage and lacked direct-to-cell capabilities.

Two systems, two approaches

Huawei and Xiaomi phones launched satellite calling in 2024, but they connect to Tiantong-1 – a geostationary system at 36,000 kilometers, operated by China Telecom. Spacesail's low-earth orbit constellation sits much closer to Earth, delivering stronger signals and enabling standard 5G phones to connect without hardware modifications.

Spacesail roadmap

End of 2026: 324 satellites, initial service capability

End of 2027: 648 satellites, first phase completion

Final: Over 15,000 satellites for full 6G integration

The constellation entered its formal deployment phase in August 2024, and recent launch cadence has accelerated significantly. In May 2026 alone, Spacesail conducted three launches within 11 days, bringing its in-orbit satellite count to 162 by May 17.

By comparison, SpaceX's Starlink had deployed approximately 9,600 satellites in orbit as of March 2026, accounting for roughly three-quarters of all active satellites globally. Its approved constellation size is planned for up to 42,000 satellites.

Starlink's broadband subscriber base reached 10.3 million as of the first quarter of 2026, covering 164 countries and territories. Its direct-to-cell service is now active in 30 countries, with 7.4 million monthly active devices. However, average revenue per user (ARPU) has declined to $66 in Q1 2026, reflecting aggressive global expansion into lower-income markets. 

(Cover via VCG)