DT closes signal gaps in Europe with the help of Starlink’s satellite connection on mobile phones

– We provide our users with the best mobile network. We are intensively investing significant resources in the expansion of our infrastructure,” said Abdu Mudesir, a member of the Product and Technology Directorate at Deutsche Telekom. “At the same time, there are regions where expansion is particularly difficult due to topographical conditions or official restrictions. We want to ensure reliable connectivity for our customers in these areas as well. That is why we are strategically supplementing our network. by satellite connection directly to the mobile phone. It’s clear to us: connectivity creates security and we deliver it everywhere.”

“We are pleased to provide reliable satellite mobile connectivity to millions of people in 10 countries, in partnership with Deutsche Telekom,” said Stephanie Bednarek, Starlink’s vice president of sales. “This agreement will be the first of its kind in Europe to launch Starlink’s next-generation V2 technology, which will expand the possibilities of data transfer, voice communication and messaging, and provide broadband Internet directly to mobile phones.”

Connectivity beyond traditional mobile reach

The service will operate exclusively in Starlink’s MSS (Mobile Satellite Service) spectrum. Planned direct-to-device services will enable future compatible smartphones to connect directly to satellites. When a modern smartphone loses its terrestrial mobile signal, it will automatically switch to Starlink’s satellite network, allowing access to data, video content, voice and text messages. This creates an additional layer of connectivity for data and voice services beyond normal cellular coverage. The number of compatible devices in Europe is expected to grow gradually until the planned launch in 2028. Starlink’s constellation of new generation satellites should then be operational.

Greater resistance in emergency situations

By integrating satellite mobile connectivity, DT also dramatically increases the resilience of its mobile network and provides additional security to users, especially in extraordinary or infrastructure-limited situations such as natural disasters or long-term power outages.

Deutsche Telekom adheres to a clear principle: customers always get the best available connection. Anytime, anywhere. This is primarily achieved through its highly efficient terrestrial network, i.e. connections via traditional mobile base stations.

In Germany, Deutsche Telekom more provides by far the largest geographical coverage of the 5G network, reaching almost 90 percent of the country’s territory. LTE covers more than 92 percent of the area, and voice services are available in up to 99 percent of territories, according to the company.

Starlink’s satellite connectivity will extend the reach of existing infrastructure when the terrestrial mobile network is not available. This creates an integrated network of mobile communication and satellite technology that enables a comprehensive, resilient and long-term sustainable connection – the so-called “Internet everywhere”. The planned launch of the service is at the beginning of 2028 in several European DT markets.