Starlink eyes Malaysia trial for direct-to-phone satellite internet

Starlink, the satellite internet provider, aims to conduct trials of its Direct-to-Device (D2D) or Direct-to-Cell (D2C) technology in Malaysia. This innovative approach could allow mobile phones to receive internet service directly from satellites, even in areas lacking traditional communication towers.

Malaysian Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil stated that this technology represents a significant shift, particularly for remote or sparsely populated regions. Representatives from Starlink met with him recently to discuss their intention to test the service in Malaysia.

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I have asked the team at MCMC to invite telco companies to sit down with companies like Starlink to look at a more connected future, which does not necessarily depend on existing infrastructure.

Fahmi has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to facilitate discussions between Starlink and local telecommunication companies. The goal is to explore future connectivity solutions that are not solely reliant on existing infrastructure. He noted that D2D/D2C technology could also be a more cost-effective alternative to building new communication towers, a process that can take 18 to 24 months.

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This is a significant and major shift if we continue, because it means for certain areas that do not have towers, which may have less population coverage, we can still provide internet via satellite.