Starlink expands direct-to-mobile services in Kazakhstan and Ecuador

Starlink is expanding its direct-to-mobile satellite services through new partnerships in Kazakhstan and Ecuador. In Kazakhstan, VEON’s Beeline has launched Starlink Mobile, allowing its 11.8 million customers to use messaging and applications in cellular dead zones without specialized hardware. The service is intended for remote areas, mountains, and locations affected by natural disasters.

In Ecuador, Starlink has partnered with the state-owned carrier CNT to provide similar connectivity. The service aims to bridge coverage gaps in the country’s diverse geography, including the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, and the Pacific coast, where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to deploy.

Additionally, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS and Saudi Arabia’s stc group have launched an IoT connectivity solution for Komatsu construction equipment. This partnership provides remote monitoring, analytics, and predictive maintenance for Komatsu’s Komtrax telematics platform within Saudi Arabia, ensuring compliance with local telecommunications regulations.