SATELLITE internet provider Starlink is looking to test its Direct to Device (D2D) or Direct to Cell technology in Malaysia, potentially allowing mobile users in selected areas to access internet services directly through satellites.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Starlink representatives met him several days ago to brief him on the company’s intention to conduct a trial of the technology in Malaysia.
He said the technology could represent a significant shift in the telecommunications landscape by providing connectivity to areas without existing mobile network infrastructure, particularly sparsely populated locations.
"Representatives from Starlink met with me to inform me about a service they intend to trial in Malaysia, which is Direct to Device or Direct to Cell.
"This is a significant and major development if we proceed with it because it means that in certain areas where there are no towers and where population coverage may be limited, we can still provide internet access through satellites. This is something very new," he said.
Fahmi was speaking at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to strengthen strategic cooperation in developing communication infrastructure along the country’s highway network.
Also present was Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The MoU was signed by MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and LLM chairman Datuk Seri Ir Hasni Mohammad as part of efforts to improve digital connectivity along Malaysia’s highways.
Fahmi said he had instructed MCMC to invite telecommunications companies to engage with Starlink to further study the potential implementation of the technology.
He said satellite-based connectivity could offer a more cost-effective solution compared with building new telecommunications towers in certain areas.
"As someone with some engineering background, it is sometimes important to seek solutions that are more cost-effective and avoid repeating the same challenges.
"Building a new tower can take between 18 and 24 months, provided all land-related issues can be resolved quickly. However, with services such as D2D in certain areas, we may be able to implement programmes like this," he said.
Fahmi said the MoU, which carries the theme "Where There Is a Road, There Is Internet", aligned with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration and the government’s commitment to ensuring digital access for all Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Alexander said the agreement formed part of broader efforts to develop Smart Highways in Malaysia.
He said MCMC was targeting the construction of 77 new telecommunications towers along about 55 kilometres of highway stretches identified as having inadequate coverage.
"This is a significant step towards strengthening the country’s infrastructure readiness and ensuring the benefits of digital development can be enjoyed more widely.
"More importantly, this effort demonstrates the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring that no strategic area is left behind in the nation’s technological development and progress," he said. - July 30, 2026
