Minister of Communications, Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has now announced that satellite-based internet service provider Starlink now intends to expand its Direct to Cell technology trials in Malaysia. Through the technology, it will allow telecommunications companies to collaborate with Starlink to continue offering cellular and data services to users’ smartphones in rural areas without network access.
Roughly speaking, it will allow satellites to function as “telecommunications towers” in space, and continue to ensure that users’ smartphones have access in rural areas.
To that end, the Minister of Communications said that MCMC will discuss with telecommunications companies together with Starlink in a meeting, as well as look at opportunities and spaces to implement the technology. The use of Starlink technology is also said to be more efficient and cost-effective than the need to build new telecommunications towers – especially in rural areas.
Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX which recently went public, led by Elon Musk.
