Starlink announced plans to conduct a trial of its direct-to-device (D2D) satellite internet technology in Malaysia, allowing mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without relying on telecommunications towers [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The trial aims to deliver internet access in areas with no telecom towers, especially sparsely populated or remote regions [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil confirmed he met Starlink representatives who briefed him on the pilot trial. He said, "This would mark a significant technological leap if implemented, as it means internet connectivity could be provided via satellite in certain areas where there are no telecommunications towers or where the population is too sparse to justify such infrastructure" [1]. Fahmi also noted, "Representatives from Starlink met with me to inform me of a service they intend to trial in Malaysia" and added that D2D could provide connectivity where installing telecom towers is neither cost-effective nor economically viable [5].
Starlink's technology offers a potentially faster and cheaper alternative compared to building new telecommunications towers, which typically require 18 to 24 months to complete [1, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been tasked with inviting local telcos to explore deployment opportunities with Starlink [1, 4, 5, 7].
The trial was announced during a memorandum of understanding signing between MCMC and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) aimed at improving communications infrastructure along Malaysia's highways [1, 2, 3, 5, 7].
Starlink's low-earth orbit satellite service is operated by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk [2, 3, 4, 6]. Last year, the Malaysian government showed interest in exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on Starlink's LEO satellite internet service [2, 3, 4, 6].
The announcement on July 30 came at the MoU exchange ceremony between MCMC and LLM, where Communications Minister Fahmi officially revealed Starlink's plan to trial the D2D technology in Malaysia [1, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The trial will test the feasibility of delivering internet where building towers is costly or unviable.
Further meetings between MCMC, Starlink, and telecom operators are expected soon as the trial moves toward deployment planning.
