Fastweb trials Starlink: smartphones connected to satellites in rural areas
First Italian trial of ‘Direct to Cell’: switching from terrestrial to satellite signal without antennas
Fastweb + Vodafone is bringing Starlink’s ‘direct-to-cell’ technology trial to Italia, paving the way for direct satellite connectivity for standard smartphones. The trial, the first of its kind in the Italia, will begin in the Apennine region of central Italia with the aim of ensuring mobile coverage even in areas where the terrestrial network does not reach, and represents something different from the satellite service that Starlink has been offering for some time now for internet access. This isn’t about connecting a home via a dedicated antenna, but about turning the satellite into a fully-fledged mobile radio station in space. The smartphone remains the one we carry in our pockets: when it loses the terrestrial signal, it automatically switches to the satellite network, without the user having to do anything.
This is what sets the Italian trial apart. The Direct to Cell technology uses standard 4G smartphones, without any hardware modifications or additional accessories. The best-optimised devices will also be able to use apps such as WhatsApp, Google Maps or AccuWeather, as well as text messages, whilst any 4G phone will still be able to access messaging at the very least.
The trial makes use of a portion of Fastweb’s radio spectrum, which is used by Starlink satellites to transmit the signal directly to mobile phones. The aim is to bridge the digital divide in areas where building new terrestrial infrastructure is difficult or economically unviable, by providing at least essential communication services.
“We are very excited about our partnership with Fastweb in developing this mobile satellite service, which will enhance the customer experience,” says Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales at SpaceX.
For Fastweb, satellite does not replace the traditional mobile network, but complements it. “Our aim is to contribute to the country’s digitalisation,” says Marco Raimondi, Head of B2C Products at Fastweb + Vodafone. “Once again, Fastweb is at the forefront of innovation in the Italia telecoms sector.”
