Prime Highlights
- Starlink and Deutsche Telekom will introduce a satellite-based mobile service in 10 European countries by 2028.
- The service will use Starlink’s V2 satellites to provide direct-to-phone broadband coverage in remote areas.
Key Facts
- The rollout includes Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
- Starlink operates around 9,000 satellites and recently secured approval from the Federal Communications Commission for 7,500 more.
Background
Starlink will partner with Deutsche Telekom to launch a satellite-based mobile service across Europe, the companies announced Monday. The service is scheduled to go live in 2028 and will initially cover 10 European countries.
The new service helps bring mobile coverage to places where building regular networks is hard. These include regions with strict nature conservation rules and areas with challenging terrain, such as mountains and rural landscapes. Deutsche Telekom said the service will help bring reliable communication to communities that currently face limited coverage.
The rollout will mark the first time Starlink’s second-generation V2 satellites are used for a mobile service in Europe. Stephanie Bednarek, Vice President of Starlink Sales, said the partnership will enhance data, voice, and messaging services by delivering broadband connectivity directly to mobile phones.
The service will launch in Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The companies did not disclose pricing details but said they will share more information closer to the launch date.
The announcement comes as Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, prepares for a potential public listing. Reports suggest the company plans to raise up to $50 billion in what could become one of the largest initial public offerings in history.
Starlink continues to expand its global footprint. The company operates about 9,000 satellites in space and serves around 9 million customers worldwide. In January, the Federal Communications Commission approved 7,500 more V2 satellites, helping the company grow even more.
In February, Microsoft also partnered with Starlink to improve connectivity at community hubs in Kenya, signaling the company’s broader global ambitions.