SpaceX launched its first batch of Starlink satellites designed to connect directly to unmodified smartphones on January 2 after getting a temporary experimental license to start testing the capability in the US, Report informs referring to Space News.

Six of the 21 Starlink satellites that launched on a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:44 p.m. Eastern from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, carry a payload that the company said could provide connectivity for most 4G LTE devices when in range.

SpaceX plans to start enabling texting from space this year in partnership with cellular operators, with voice and data connectivity coming in 2025, although the company still needs regulatory permission to provide the services commercially.

Initial direct-to-smartphone tests would use cellular spectrum from SpaceX’s US mobile partner T-Mobile. SpaceX has also partnered with mobile operators in Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

During the launch webcast, Kate Tice, SpaceX senior manager for quality systems engineering, said the first six “direct-to-cell” satellites would be brighter than the 15 Starlink V2 Mini broadband satellites joining the mission without the hardware to connect to smartphones.

SpaceX plans to work with astronomers to review the impact on their observations before making hardware adjustments to ensure its direct-to-cell spacecraft are as dim as possible, Tice added.