New Starlink partnership to bring phone service to remote U.S. areas

Telecommunications company Ooma announced a partnership this week with Elon Musk ’s satellite-based Starlink internet service, which Ooma claims will make affordable home phone service available in "rural and remote locations." Called Ooma StarDial , the service will let Starlink users add landline service to their internet connection, enabling phone calls in places where cell service is unreliable.

Users will pay $129.99 for a base station and handset, but no monthly service charges.

Ooma’s website does indicate that StarDial customers will be on the hook for taxes and fees, though it’s unclear what those would amount to for the average user.

StarDial allows unlimited nationwide calling, 911 service, caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail, and most customers can keep their existing phone number, according to Ooma.

"Millions of consumers now rely on Starlink to stay connected in places that can be difficult to reach with traditional internet and cellular service, and they deserve a simple and affordable home phone option," Jim Gustke, senior vice president of marketing at Ooma, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Trump administration detonates expansion of rural broadband access Ooma claims StarDial can provide phone service to cabins, RVs, campers, vans, and boats on which people reside.

Residents in rural, remote areas of states like Hawaii, Vermont, and Maine struggle with cell service , according to PC Mag.

Even those in more urbanized areas like Cincinnati, Ohio, and Boulder, Colorado, log hundreds of dead zone complaints per million people, according to research.

For anyone used to stepping outside and searching for a bar of cell service, a home phone could be a welcome throwback.