Satellite Networks

Starlink in talks to start D2D satellite trial in Malaysia

Starlink in talks to start D2D satellite trial in Malaysia

LEO satellite operator Starlink is reportedly in talks with Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications to conduct a trial of its direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service, potentially as a solution to improve broadband coverage on highways, among other things.

According to a report from the government’s Bernama new agency on Thursday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he has met with Starlink representatives who pitched the trial.

Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been asked to invite telcos to meet with Starlink to explore opportunities for deploying the technology.

The ministry is interested in the potential of D2D technology to expand the reach of broadband connectivity across Malaysia more quickly and cheaply compared to deploying new towers, Fahmi told Bernama.

“With services such as D2D and direct-to-cell, we may be able to provide connectivity in certain areas where installing a telecommunications tower is neither cost-effective nor economically viable,” he said.

He made the remarks during the signing of an MoU between the MCMC and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) on Thursday that aims to build 77 new telecoms towers across 50 km of highway to support “smart” traffic management and safety systems.

Fahmi said D2D connectivity could also play a role in providing highways with better mobile broadband coverage, according to the report.



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