Ukraine secures access to Starlink's direct-to-cell service, paving the way as one of the early adopters.
In an exciting development, Starlink's direct-to-cell technology could potentially improve mobile coverage in Zimbabwe, paving the way for a new era of connectivity.
Unlike the $170 mini kits required for traditional satellite services, Starlink's direct-to-cell service only necessitates an LTE (4G) capable phone. This makes the technology more accessible and affordable for the average user.
Mobile operators in Zimbabwe are expected to collaborate with Starlink to enhance their services using this innovative technology. The progress Starlink is making suggests that global direct-to-cell coverage might not be far off.
The capacity for global coverage with Starlink's direct-to-cell service is not yet available, but the company is making significant strides towards it. Starlink has already signed deals with Kyivstar, Ukraine's leading mobile operator, to provide direct-to-cell satellite service in Ukraine.
This is not a one-off deal. Starlink is also signing agreements with other international mobile network operators to provide direct-to-cell satellite service. In addition to T-Mobile in the US, partners include Rogers Communications in Canada, One NZ (formerly Vodafone New Zealand), and Optus in Australia.
These partnerships aim to expand mobile coverage to remote regions by leveraging Starlink satellites as orbiting cell towers. For instance, in Canada, Rogers Communications plans to use Starlink for satellite-to-phone services. One NZ and Optus have similar partnerships, aiming to provide 100% mobile network coverage over their respective countries using Starlink.
Starlink started launching satellites capable of direct-to-cell tech in early 2024. If successful, these satellites could help mobile operators achieve 100% coverage in Zimbabwe, eliminating the need for climbing trees to get service in rural areas.
It's important to note that the direct-to-cell service from Starlink does not support 3G, so many users may need to upgrade their phones. Also, the technology is expected to work best in remote and low-density areas with poor coverage, not in urban areas.
In Zimbabwe, if a mobile operator like Telecel signs a deal with Starlink, customers would still remain Telecel's, but the service would be provided using Starlink infrastructure.
Starlink's direct-to-cell service is an even bigger deal than standard Starlink satellite service. While the global direct-to-cell coverage is not yet a reality, the progress made by Starlink is promising. Kyivstar, for example, expects direct-to-cell services with messaging functionality to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2025, making Ukraine one of the first countries to get this technology from Starlink.
This news marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, particularly in remote areas with poor mobile coverage. As more partnerships are formed, we can expect to see Starlink's direct-to-cell technology transforming mobile connectivity across the globe.
- The partnership between Starlink and mobile operators, such as T-Mobile in the US and Optus in Australia, aims to use Starlink satellites as orbiting cell towers, providing 100% mobile network coverage and offering improved internet access in remote regions.
- Leveraging Starlink's direct-to-cell service, the average user can access the internet more affordably, as it only requires an LTE (4G) capable phone, compared to traditional satellite services.
- The science and technology industry stand to benefit significantly from Starlink's direct-to-cell service, as it could enable uninterrupted internet access in space-and-astronomy research, particularly in remote or low-density areas with poor coverage.
