Starlink Internet on Your Cell Phone
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For decades, internet connectivity has been tied to terrestrial infrastructure: towers, cables, routers and delimited coverage zones. In urban areas, this has never been a major problem. But in rural, remote areas or in emergency situations, the lack of signal has become a critical limitation.
Download on Google Play In response to this scenario, Elon Musk's company SpaceX launched the Starlink, a constellation of low-orbit satellites designed to deliver high-speed internet anywhere on the planet.
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Now, the company goes a step further by releasing the functionality Direct to Cell, allowing smartphones connect directly to Starlink satellites, without the need for antennas or routers. This is an innovation that promises to redesign global connectivity standards.
But where is this technology already active? Which countries are testing it? Is Brazil in line? These are the questions we answer in this article.
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How Starlink Direct to Cell Works
The technology Direct to Cell was officially announced by Starlink in partnership with the US operator T-Mobile. It is a system where the smartphone, when leaving the coverage area of conventional towers, automatically connects to Starlink satellites. Unlike the company's traditional model — which requires the use of a kit with an antenna and router — Direct to Cell does not require any additional hardware.
Initially, the focus of the service is on text message transmission (SMS), location e emergency calls, with expansion expected for voice calls and LTE mobile internet by the end of 2025. Satellite communication takes place through frequencies adapted so that the signal reaches the cell phone chip directly, using technology similar to that of 4G networks.
This connection is activated automatically when the cellular system recognizes that there is no terrestrial coverage available. The device then connects to a nearby satellite, and displays something like “T-Mobile SpaceX” or the name of the local partner carrier at the top of the screen.
Which countries already have the technology active?
Although Starlink is present in more than 70 countries with traditional service via antenna, the Direct to Cell is still in the phased implementation phase. So far, the functionality has been released commercially or on a test basis in the following countries:
- United States: pioneers in the use of technology, with active coverage for text messages in partnership with the operator T-Mobile.
- New Zealand: through the operator One NZ, which activated satellite SMS functionality at the end of 2024.
- Australia: the operator Telstra began testing with customers in rural areas, with text messages being transmitted via satellite.
- Canada: already in the testing phase with local operators.
- Japan: initial active coverage, with expansion plans for data.
- Switzerland: access granted for emergency messages.
- Chile and Peru: first countries in South America with active testing and partnerships.
According to the company's roadmap, new countries will be integrated into the service as regulatory agreements are signed. The expectation is that until the end of 2025, more than 30 countries have the resource active, mainly in regions with difficult geography or poor traditional coverage.
And Brazil? When will it arrive?
In Brazil, Starlink now offers satellite internet via antenna, especially in rural areas, forests and coastal regions. The service is stable and can be contracted through residential or business plans. However, the Direct to Cell functionality not yet available.
The company needs to establish partnerships with national operators and obtain approval from Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency) to operate in the necessary frequency spectrum. Despite this, Starlink's interest is evident, especially because Brazil has a large territorial extension and thousands of communities with poor or non-existent mobile signal.
It is expected that until 2025 or early 2026, the resource is active in the country, mainly in the North and Central-West regions, which have shown great adoption of the technology via antenna.
Which cell phones are compatible?
Direct to Cell relies on specific components in smartphones, especially antennas and chips that support direct communication with LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. Starlink, in partnership with manufacturers, has already confirmed compatibility with several recent models, including:
- iPhone 14 and above
- Google Pixels 8 and 9
- Samsung Galaxy S21 and later
- Galaxy A54, A35, A14, A16 models
- Motorola released in 2024 or newer
Additionally, it is necessary to keep the operating system updated, as the satellite network option only appears in the latest versions of Android and iOS.
How to enable the feature
In countries where the service is already available, activating Direct to Cell is simple:
- Go in Settings > Mobile network.
- Activate the option “emergency access via satellite".
- The cell phone will automatically connect to the satellite network when there is no traditional signal.
This activation does not generate an extra charge on the operator's plan, at least in the United States and New Zealand. However, the details vary according to the country and the policy of each operator.
The functionality Direct to Cell Starlink’s launch is a bold step toward a truly global internet. By enabling ordinary cell phones to connect directly to space, the company is erasing the boundaries of connectivity.
With coverage already active in countries such as the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Japan, and tests underway in others such as Chile and Peru, the expansion is promising. Brazil is still awaiting official approval, but the advancement of technology and the interest shown make its arrival only a matter of time.
If you live in remote areas or frequently travel to areas with no signal, it’s worth keeping an eye on Starlink’s launches. Soon, even without a tower nearby, you could be just a few clicks — or satellites — away from the connected world.
