Kuala lumpur: Satellite internet provider Starlink plans to conduct a trial of its direct-to-device (D2D), or direct-to-cell, technology in Malaysia, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said. He mentioned that the technology aims to deliver internet connectivity directly to mobile phones via satellite in selected areas without relying on telecommunications towers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, representatives from Starlink met with Fahmi to discuss the service they intend to trial in Malaysia. The implementation of this technology could represent a significant technological advancement, allowing internet connectivity via satellite in regions with insufficient telecommunications infrastructure or sparse populations.

Fahmi shared these insights at the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Present at the event were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, and Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim.

Fahmi stated that the MCMC had been instructed to invite telecommunications companies to meet with Starlink to explore opportunities for deploying this technology, which operates independently of existing telecommunications infrastructure. He emphasized that Starlink's D2D technology could offer a faster, more cost-effective alternative to building new telecommunications towers, which typically require 18 to 24 months to complete.

He further explained that services like D2D and direct-to-cell might facilitate connectivity in areas where constructing a telecommunications tower is not economically viable. The collaboration with LLM is expected to serve as an initial platform to support the rollout of this innovative service.