Science and Technology
Starlink began operating its direct satellite cellular connection in Latin America with a clear objective: To tackle the chronic problem of dead signal areas using its constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites.The first step was taken in Chile, in cooperation with the operator Entel, and marks the regional debut of the Direct to Cell model, which connects the smartphone directly to the satellite without the need for a parabolic antenna.
In the initial phase, however, the service is still limited. In Chile, Starlink connectivity is limited to sending and receiving SMS messages on compatible smartphones.While the offering of mobile data via satellite is promised for a later date, this strategy places the Andean country on the same list of a select few markets, such as the United States, Japan, and Canada, that are testing D2C as an alternative to cover deserts, mountains, and other regions. rural areas outside the traditional antenna grid.
The D2C model, short for Direct to Cell, is based on a simple principle: The smartphone connects directly to Starlink satellites., without needing dedicated antennas or extra equipment in the user’s home.
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The only requirement is that the phone has an unobstructed view of the sky so that the signal is not blocked by buildings or physical obstacles.
To support this coverage, Starlink uses approximately 650 satellites specifically prepared for the D2C service., integrated into a larger constellation already known for broadband packages via antenna.
In Chile, the focus is on covering remote areas, such as the Atacama Desert and rural regions, where conventional mobile networks do not reach or operate with low reliability.
The central promise is that, with a direct satellite connection, the idea of completely uncovered areas will begin to disappear from the map.
Chile is the first Latin American country to officially access the Mobile connection via Starlink in Direct to Cell mode., functioning as a technological showcase for the region.
The partnership was established with Entel, which incorporated the service into its plans with larger data allowances and its premium portfolio.
Satellite coverage is available to Entel customers with plans of 150 GB and 450 GB, in addition to the Entel Black plans., with monthly fees starting at 12.990 pesos, which is around just over 70 reais.
In practice, Starlink acts as an additional layer of coverage in scenarios where conventional antennas fail., especially when traveling on highways, through desert areas, and in isolated locations.
The announcement was made by the company itself, which highlighted its ability to keep users connected in forests, deserts, and other extreme environments.
Despite its potential, Starlink’s initial offering in Chile is deliberately limited.
The D2C service is limited to traditional text messages via SMS., without mobile internet browsing or data usage in applications.
The company indicates that enabling satellite data should come in a later stage, but does not link the advancement to a detailed public timeline.
From the user’s perspective, the second filter is the hardware.
Entel maintains a list of on its website smartphones compatible with Starlink satellite connectivitywhich already includes more than 40 Samsung models, more than a dozen Xiaomi devices, and options from manufacturers such as Honor, Vivo, and Motorola.
What caught my attention was the fact that No iPhone models have yet appeared in the list of approved devices.This restricts the first wave of adoption to a specific set of Android devices.
The most immediate benefit of the arrival of Starlink to the D2C segment in Latin America It is both symbolic and operational at the same time.
Symbolic because it shows that satellite coverage is no longer a feature exclusively associated with fixed antennas and is now directly engaging with the average mobile phone user.
Operational because, even with the limitation to SMS, the ability to send messages in remote areas can be crucial in emergency situations or when working in the field.
Eliminating so-called “dead zones” depends on additional factors, such as widespread adoption by customers, the level of integration of local operators, and the evolution of Starlink’s own infrastructure.
The requirement for an unobstructed view of the sky remains an unavoidable physical constraint. And, for now, the user experience is far from the full 4G or 5G browsing experience.
Still, the combination of low-Earth orbit satellites, compatible smartphones, and tailored mobile plans creates a new layer of connectivity that is likely to expand as data and voice are incorporated into the package.
The Starlink in the direct-to-cellular connectivity market in Latin America It also has a competitive effect.
Mobile operators are now operating with a hybrid model in which some coverage no longer depends exclusively on ground-based towers.
At the same time, smartphone manufacturers need to adapt to support communication with satellites in low Earth orbit, which explains the growing list of models compatible with the D2C service.
Meanwhile, other global players are exploring similar solutions, either through their own satellite networks or through partnerships with existing constellations.
The way Starlink transforms an SMS-based pilot program into a full satellite mobile data offering will be the major test of the technology’s maturity., both from a technical and regulatory standpoint.
The Chilean experience tends to be observed from near by regulatorsoperators and users from across the region.
In your case, if Starlink and a local carrier offered SMS today and, in the future, full satellite internet on your cell phone, would you be willing to pay extra to never be without signal again, or do you still think the cost wouldn’t be worth the extra coverage?
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