Starlink has launched its innovative Direct-to-Cell technology, raising questions about its potential impact on Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape.
Over the past year, Starlink has sparked significant buzz in Pakistan, quickly becoming one of the country’s most talked-about topics, even surpassing the once-dominant discussions around 5G. Pakistanis have shown tremendous excitement for the service, eagerly awaiting government approval to allow Elon Musk’s company to launch operations in the country. However, major telecom industry players have expressed concern and skepticism about Starlink’s entry into the local market, including several mobile operators.
Recently, however, there has been a development that may help alleviate some of the anxieties of these telecom stakeholders, particularly the mobile operators. Starlink has formed a partnership with T-Mobile to roll out its Direct-to-Cell service. This collaboration aims to eliminate cell phone dead zones by improving connectivity in remote areas.
This partnership between a satellite service provider and a wireless carrier is a pioneering move, setting a new precedent for Pakistan’s telecom sector. With Starlink’s entry into Pakistan seemingly imminent, we may soon see similar partnerships between the satellite operator and local mobile network providers. But how will these collaborations operate, and what impact will they have on the telecom industry?
