New satellite-based technology aims to provide mobile connectivity in locations without telecommunications towers, offering broader inter...
New satellite-based technology aims to provide mobile connectivity in locations without telecommunications towers, offering broader internet access across underserved regions.
Cyberjaya:
Satellite internet provider Starlink is preparing to launch a pilot trial of its Direct-to-Cell technology in Malaysia, a move that could significantly improve connectivity in remote and underserved areas where traditional mobile network infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
Malaysia's Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Starlink representatives recently met with him to present details of the proposed pilot project and provide a briefing on the company's latest satellite communication technology.
According to the minister, the initiative has the potential to play an important role in expanding internet access, particularly in rural and sparsely populated areas where building conventional telecommunications infrastructure can be costly or technically challenging.
Fahmi explained that the Direct-to-Cell technology would enable satellites to communicate directly with mobile devices, allowing users to access communication services even in locations where mobile telecommunications towers are not available.
He described the technology as a significant development in the communications sector and said it could help bridge connectivity gaps that continue to affect certain parts of the country.
The minister made the remarks during a memorandum of understanding exchange ceremony between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Malaysian Highway Authority in Cyberjaya.
Under the proposed system, mobile phones would be able to connect directly to satellites orbiting the Earth instead of relying solely on terrestrial cellular towers. This approach is designed to provide coverage in areas where network signals are weak, unavailable, or economically unfeasible to deploy through conventional infrastructure.
The pilot project forms part of broader efforts to improve nationwide internet coverage and ensure that residents of remote communities can benefit from digital services, online education, communication platforms, and other internet-based opportunities.
Government officials believe that if the pilot program proves successful, the technology could eventually be deployed more widely across Malaysia, helping to reduce connectivity disparities between urban and rural regions.
Malaysia has been actively working to expand digital infrastructure and improve internet accessibility as part of its broader digital transformation agenda. Despite significant progress in recent years, some remote communities continue to face connectivity challenges due to geographical barriers and limited telecommunications infrastructure.
The proposed Direct-to-Cell service could offer an alternative solution for these areas by providing direct satellite connectivity without requiring additional ground-based network installations.
As background, Fahmi previously stated last year that the Malaysian government was exploring alternative options to reduce reliance on Starlink's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet services and to ensure a competitive and sustainable telecommunications ecosystem.
However, the latest discussions regarding the Direct-to-Cell pilot indicate that the government remains open to evaluating emerging technologies that could strengthen national connectivity and improve access to digital services.
Industry observers note that Direct-to-Cell technology is increasingly attracting attention worldwide because it differs significantly from traditional mobile networks. Instead of routing communications through cellular towers, the system establishes a direct connection between satellites and mobile devices.
This capability can be particularly valuable during natural disasters, emergencies, or in isolated regions where telecommunications infrastructure may be damaged, unavailable, or difficult to deploy.
Globally, several countries and telecommunications providers are exploring similar satellite-to-mobile solutions as part of future communications strategies aimed at expanding coverage and improving network resilience.
If successfully implemented in Malaysia, the technology could support the government's efforts to close the digital divide, enhance emergency communications capabilities, and ensure broader internet accessibility for communities located beyond the reach of conventional mobile networks.
While no official timeline for the pilot trial has been announced, authorities are expected to continue evaluating the proposal and its potential benefits before any wider rollout is considered.
Sources: Malaysian Communications Ministry
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