Salt successfully test satellite-based text messaging with Starlink Direct to Cell satellites. The test was conducted using Starlink low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in collaboration with SpaceX. The test confirmed that standard 4G smartphones can exchange messages via satellite, paving the way for broader mobile coverage in remote areas and greater national resilience in times of emergencies.
Starlink Direct to Cell enables mobile phones to connect to satellites when terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable – such as in alpine terrain, or during natural disasters. It complements existing terrestrial mobile infrastructure, adding a vital layer of redundancy and resilience. In this initial non-commercial trial, based on a test licence from the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), Salt successfully delivered an SMS to a standard 4G smartphone via satellite. The message “Hello Salt, Space X here.” symbolically confirmed the functionality of satellite-to-mobile connectivity.
This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of Starlink Direct to Cell services to improve everyday  connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas, eliminating mobile dead zones, and also providing critical backup communication capacity in emergencies or infrastructure outages. Recent natural disasters and extreme events – including the significant landslide in Blatten, severe weather in Valais and Ticino, and hurricanes abroad, such as in Florida – all underscore the importance of resilient mobile communication when and where it is needed most.
Starlink’s satellites function as flying base stations, transmitting over terrestrial mobile spectrum directly to standard smartphones. No new apps or special hardware are required. Initial testing focused on SMS functionality, with voice and data expected in future development phases.
“This is a key milestone not only for Salt but for the Swiss and European telecom Industry,” said Max Nunziata, CEO of Salt. “It shows that truly ubiquitous mobile coverage is within reach – and that Switzerland can lead in deploying technologies that enhance both public safety and everyday connectivity.”
Salt’s successful test reinforces its leadership in bringing next-generation connectivity to Switzerland – responsibly, strategically, and with a focus on public benefit. Salt joins a growing community of innovation leaders advancing Starlink Direct to Cell services worldwide, including T-Mobile US, which has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and initiated commercialization in the United States, along with five publicly announced partners across the world who are now launching commercial services within the year.
Salt underscores that this was a non-commercial test. The timing of future deployment of satellite-based mobile services in Switzerland will depend on Swiss regulatory frameworks and related approvals. Salt is working closely with the relevant authorities on these steps.
Top News,World
July 8, 2025
The second IMO–WISTA report on gender diversity in shipping reveals that women continue to face significant discrimination in the maritime workplace…
Top News,Greece
July 8, 2025
Piraeus Port Authority  with a steadfast focus on the sustainable development and ongoing modernization of the Port of Piraeus, adopts and implements…
Top News,Technical
July 8, 2025
Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a significant contract by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to supply integrated technology packages for nine new…
Top News,World
July 8, 2025
NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers, a joint venture between Algoma Central Corporation and Nova Marine Holdings SA (“Nova”) and the world’s leading operator…
Top News,World
July 8, 2025
Current performance of bauxite exports As reported in our last insight on the topic, bauxite exports from Guinea have performed…
World,Word newsletter
July 8, 2025
Nigeria has a unique opportunity to electrify its containerised trade at scale – leapfrogging fossil-powered infrastructure and aligning with the…
World,Word newsletter
July 8, 2025
 Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever pressed the symbolic start button to kick off the Antwerp North Heat Network. A pipeline network across the port…
World,Word newsletter
July 8, 2025
Associated British Ports  the UK’s leading port operator, is proud to celebrate the remarkable efforts of its colleagues from across it’s ports in…
World,Word newsletter
July 8, 2025
Chart of the Week: Sudan Crude Oil Exports via Bashayer West African Crude Gains Ground in Europe, Impacting U.S. Exports…
World,Word newsletter
July 8, 2025
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, announced that its Singapore Sub-Headquarters, MOL  has donated 50 native species trees under the Plant-A-Tree program,…
Design & Development by P.KAN.DESIGNER
© 2025 Cyprus Shipping News. All rights reserved
Design & Development by P.KAN.DESIGNER
© 2025 Cyprus Shipping News. All rights reserved

source