As smartphones gain satellite-ready chipsets and next-gen constellations scale, Direct-to-Cell connectivity is shifting from emergency texting to real broadband. Mach33 breaks down how new NTN silicon will transform performance, why Starlink’s standardized 3GPP approach will outscale competitors in the long run, and how AST SpaceMobile’s early physics advantage plays out as the market converges in 2026-2028.